The Ruby Slippers, Madonna's Bra, and Einstein's Brain: The Locations of America's Pop Culture Artifacts [Paperback]

Chris Epting (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2006

Anyone who has ever wondered where Dorothy's ruby slippers, the limo that JFK was riding in when he was assassinated, or Michael Jackson’s sequined glove are housed will have their curiosity satisfied in this journey to locate hundreds of items from America's pop culture past. From such major institutions as the Smithsonian and the Basketball Hall of Fame to offbeat collections in the Sing Sing Prison Museum and the Museum of Pez Memorabilia, these pop culture treasures include the most famous—and quirkiest—items from American movies, crime, TV, sports, and history. Among the included artifacts are George Washington's wooden teeth, the Merry Prankster bus, the piano from Casablanca, Bonnie and Clyde's death car, Jack Ruby's .38 Colt Cobra, and John Wilkes Booth's thorax.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chris Epting is the author of six books, including Elvis Presley Passed Here, James Dean Died Here, Marilyn Monroe Dyed Here, and Roadside Baseball. He has created and written many popular commercials and is the head of Surf City Advertising Company. He lives in Huntington Beach, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Santa Monica Press (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595800085
• ISBN-13: 978-1595800084
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #855,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Chris Epting is the author of 17 travel/history books, including James Dean Died Here (Santa Monica Press), Roadside Baseball (McGraw Hill) and most recently The Ruby Slippers, Madonna's Bra and Einstein's Brain -- The Locations of America's Pop Culture Artifacts (Santa Monica Press). He has contributed articles for such publications as the Los Angeles Times, Westways and Travel + Lesiure magazine, and writes a weekly newspaper column for the Huntington Beach Independent. He is the national spokesman for Hampton Inn hotel's Hidden Landmarks program and hosts the weekly syndicated radio show, The Pop Culture Road Trip. In addition, Chris is a frequent talk show guest, appearing on shows including National Public Radio, the E! Channel and Access Hollywood.Originally from New York, Chris now lives in Huntington Beach, California with his wife and their two children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, June 29, 2007

By 

S. Bishop - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ruby Slippers, Madonna's Bra, and Einstein's Brain: The Locations of America's Pop Culture Artifacts (Paperback)

This is an amazing reference guide for artifacts. I plan on using it in my around the US trip to find these amazing facts. I'd absolutly recommend this book.

3.0 out of 5 stars interesting reading, January 6, 2007

By 

LISA MURPHY "Bill Murphy" (Pekin Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ruby Slippers, Madonna's Bra, and Einstein's Brain: The Locations of America's Pop Culture Artifacts (Paperback)

Overall good book. Lots of pictures. Good for an afternoon read. Once its been read ==its been read. Don't find myself going back for a second look

4.0 out of 5 stars I Love These Crazy Places, December 22, 2006

By 

Jennifer StAntoine "ladyjadegd" (Escondido, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ruby Slippers, Madonna's Bra, and Einstein's Brain: The Locations of America's Pop Culture Artifacts (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. I collect "superlatives" and other weird roadside oddities - by "collect" I mean I really enjoy visiting as many as I can. This book lists a great collection of strange things and pop culture landmarks throughout the United States. I enjoyed the places and items included a great deal and it was a lot of fun seeing some of those crazy places that I have actually been to before! The only thing I would have liked better would be if the organization of them was a little different. PERSONALLY, I prefer these types of books to be organized geographically, although the index did include a geographical listing by state which was helpful. I also would have liked to get more information on the locations of the items - where they are and how to get there.

Other than those two criticisms, I love this book and was SO glad to have received it as a gift after putting it on my wishlist. I see that this author has other titles available and I plan to look into those now!