Often, thinking seriously about outlandish problems is the only way to make progress in science. The rest of the time, it’s hilarious. Marc Abrahams, the founder of the famous Ig Nobel prizes, offers an addictive, wryly funny exposé of the oddest, most imaginative, and just plain improbable research from around the world. He looks into why books on ethics are more likely to get stolen and how randomly promoting people (rather than doing it based on merit) improves their work. He also shares the findings of weird experiments, from whether Vegas lap dancers earn higher tips at a certain time of the month to how mice were once outfitted with parachutes to find a better way to murder tree snakes. Abrahams’ tour through this strangest of strange science will first make you laugh, and then make you think about your world in a completely new way. Marc Abrahams, the founder of the Ig Nobel prize, offers an addictive, wryly funny exposé of the most improbable research from around the world, from why one psychologist insisted it was better to promote people randomly to whether Vegas lap dancers get higher tips at certain times of the month. As you travel from the bizarre to the profound, Abrahams will make you laugh, and then think about the world in a completely new way.
This Is Improbable
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
“After reading this hilarious book, you'll never look at scientists in the same way again.”
--Terry Jones, bestselling author and Python
“Wonderful! The definitive compendium of quirky, jaw-dropping research”
--Richard Wiseman, author of :59 seconds
“Delightful... a pleasure to read in the bathroom and in the bedroom, and the kind of book that makes you seem smarter when you share it with friends (just make sure you wash your hands first).”
--Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational
“Marc Abrahams is a perfectly calibrated filtration system into which all of science is poured and out of which comes pure, giddy goofball delight. This book is a delicious, addictive treat.”
--Mary Roach, author of Stiff and Packing for Mars
--Terry Jones, bestselling author and Python
“Wonderful! The definitive compendium of quirky, jaw-dropping research”
--Richard Wiseman, author of :59 seconds
“Delightful... a pleasure to read in the bathroom and in the bedroom, and the kind of book that makes you seem smarter when you share it with friends (just make sure you wash your hands first).”
--Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational
“Marc Abrahams is a perfectly calibrated filtration system into which all of science is poured and out of which comes pure, giddy goofball delight. This book is a delicious, addictive treat.”
--Mary Roach, author of Stiff and Packing for Mars
About the Author
Marc Abrahams is the editor and co-founder of the science humour magazine Annals of Improbable Research and a weekly columnist for the Guardian. He is the founder of the Ig Nobel Prizes, which honour achievements that make people laugh, and then think, and which are presented in an annual ceremony at Harvard University. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with his wife, Robin.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By G. Poirier
Format:Paperback
To think that serious research was done (and most likely continues to be done) on the topics outlined in this book just boggles the mind. Fortunately, the author has such a way with words that reading about these works is an absolute pleasure, which would not likely be the case if one were to read the original papers. On average, each work of research is described in just one to two pages. These are grouped into twelve chapters, each of which has its own particular topical slant.
Once again, this book's most important feature, in my view, is the author's continuous tongue-in-cheek and often absolutely hilarious summaries of the research. His careful choice of words to suit each topic is absolutely priceless. Despite the fact that I found some of the research summaries to be rather uninteresting, in many of the other cases I laughed to the point of having tears in my eyes. And it's mainly for these many prize winners that I gave this book a perfect score.
All in all, because the author has ensured that the book is devoid of specialized jargon (unless included for effect) anyone looking for laughs can enjoy this book tremendously, while, as a bonus, learn about how some hard-earned research money is being spent.
Once again, this book's most important feature, in my view, is the author's continuous tongue-in-cheek and often absolutely hilarious summaries of the research. His careful choice of words to suit each topic is absolutely priceless. Despite the fact that I found some of the research summaries to be rather uninteresting, in many of the other cases I laughed to the point of having tears in my eyes. And it's mainly for these many prize winners that I gave this book a perfect score.
All in all, because the author has ensured that the book is devoid of specialized jargon (unless included for effect) anyone looking for laughs can enjoy this book tremendously, while, as a bonus, learn about how some hard-earned research money is being spent.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By mom
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you, or someone you're buying a gift for, loves science, this is a great book. It's intelligent, interesting, funny, and enjoyable! My son loves science, physics, math, and all that is connected with that. I got the book as a gift for him. There are few books that make those topics fun -- yet savvy for someone who thinks in that realm. It's a great read. I even liked it!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Heather
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was a gift for my geek husband. He loves quirky science, and this hit the spot! We listen to the Ig Nobel awards every year...
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not at all what I was expecting
There is no meat on this chicken. This is like reading headline news. Waste of time. I recommend not buying this book.
Published 1 month ago by Diane
4.0 out of 5 stars
Gift
I bought this for a friend because I heard and interview with the author on NPR and it sounded like the perfect gift for my friend!
Published 2 months ago by Mary Frances
4.0 out of 5 stars
This is Improbable.... (no, it isn't!)
This is a very well written and rather fun little book about what might be described as "stranger but true 'research. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Marshal Shlafer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Husband loved it!!
Funniest book on matters dark and rare he's read in awhile. He laughed out loud most of the time he's been reading it!!
Published 4 months ago by J. Watson
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is Improbable - great collection
This is another "best of" collection, and if you're a subscriber to AIR (Annals of Improbable Research) and/or the JIR (Journal of Irreproducible Results) this will appeal to your... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Alfred J. Padilla
