Customer Reviews

Patently Silly: From the Collapsible Walker to the Incinerating Toilet, the Craziest Inventions Ever Devised

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Someone recently gave me a copy of Patently SIlly, and at first I just browsed through it quickly, amused by the pictures of the many absurd inventions. But then when I looked more carefully, and started reading the text, I realized that the really funny thing about the book was not the inventions themselves (although many do generate a laugh by themselves) but the clever way the writer has written so humorously about each of them. For just about each invention Mr. Wright finds the right words to lampoon it, exressing the thoughts that were in the back of my head but which I was not able to clearly articulate, even to myself. This book was a great find, and will make a perfect gift for many of my friends.

I never knew this world of inventions existed. Now when I think of the US Patent and Trademark Office, I think of a serious institution with many requirements and guidelines. I do not think of a cordless jump robe making it through the rigorous process, but it does and may more outlandish inventions. Who would of thought that a cube-shaped tennis ball or a scented doll with the appearance of an aged person would deserve a US patent? Now this very fact can give one a bird's eye view into the US patent and Trademark Office. This book is full of fanciful, bizarre, strange, and just unbelievable inventions that give some insight into the mind of the modern human, well some very unique minds. Daniel Wright's commentary is hysterical and dead on. This book made me laugh out loud and question my role in a consumer society where I often want the new gadget that will make my life so much easier to live. I realize now I want my combination lawn/garden ornament and cremation container so I can make life easier for my family and give them something nice to look at on the porch.

As funny as the actual patents themselves are, writer Daniel Wright's commentary is truly hysterical. His insightful digs and wry wordplay kept a smile on my face the entire time I read through this highly amusing book.

Pretty hilarious stuff. This is a great book for reading when you need a very silly pick me up. I laughed outloud more than once. The inventions themselves are funny, but the milk-out-yer-nose laughing comes from Daniel's dry wit and commentary. A great gift!!