60 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good collection of information, yet nothing unique, November 24, 2007
This review is from: The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge, Second Edition: A Desk Reference for the Curious Mind (Hardcover)
In response to the previous post: I would not feel alarmed about the missing information. I am certain hundreds of people were contributing to book. An omission in the history department would not likely affect other sections. One book will never be able to capture everything considered "essential". Essential for an American is not essential for, say, a European. No single book will make you "essentially informed".
I found the depth of this knowledge to be just right, though. I don't care to shine on Jeopardy. My goal is to become aware without getting too deeply into it unless I am really passionate about a particular subject.
Sure, some stuff is missing, but, what is there is PLENTY. For example: we all heard about Sunni and Shiites Islaam, but I doubt many, including, and especially, George Bush know the difference. How many of Seven Wonders of the World can you name? Do you know who Pygmalion was? Did you know television was invented in 1927? Did you know that America has the highest rate of STD's of all industrial nations? Do you know why? Do you care? If the examples did not evoke some sort of curiosity, this book, in all likelihood, will seem useless to you. But if you found that your brain lit up with tingly wonder, this book would probably be a good place to start.
On the negative side, truthfully, there is nothing unique or incredible about this book that sets it apart from others, maybe a little heavier. It's just like any other almanacs published every year by New York Times. It's just another information-filled book, not better or worse....
This book has over 1300 pages without a single illustration, and of course, is basic, but don't let it fool you, you can still find something new that can send you to the library or the web to satisfy your curiosity. If you are an average American, (not a geek, who probably already knows all this stuff anyway), if you are curious about the world you live in, and would like not to appear dumb when others discuss world's events at a party, you will surely find something fascinating about this "everyday" stuff. Something you probably had heard mentioned as recently as today without really realizing how little you knew about the subject in point. Each category contains 10-15 pages. Topics: Philosophy, Psychology, Broadway, Geology, Geography, Earth Science, History, World Wars, Music, Political Science, pop culture, world events and so on...
My New Year's resolution: one section a week.
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and even useful book, December 28, 2007
This review is from: The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge, Second Edition: A Desk Reference for the Curious Mind (Hardcover)
The problem with a book like this is the difficult tradeoff between completeness and brevity, and accessibility. Obviously in a one volume format, no matter how weighty (and this one is 1300 pages), something has to be left out. But it's a problem that this book handles quite well.
Rather than carp on what's missing in a book like this, like some of the reviews here, look at what's included instead, and there's plenty to keep you occupied there, no matter what your interests are. If you're interested in more complete coverage, my advice there is to buy one of the one or two volume encyclopedias, such as the Oxford Concise Encyclopedia from Oxford University Press or the Britannica Ready Reference. These are even more ponderous and complete but are less approachable and readable since the technical level is higher.
So don't be too critical of a volume like this, which attempts to steer a middle ground. It's still an enjoyable read, and worth your time and money. Also, I say this as someone who regularly reads both the short and long versions of several 'pedias and knows their pros and cons. For me this is something I would use as enjoyable bedtime reading when I don't have the stamina or attention span to brave another formidable Britannica article, or even The World Book, which traditionally was somewhat more readable, although the Britannica has resolved that issue now with the three levels of writing difficulty in the new electronic DVD version.
But getting back to the present volume, overall, a nice job and informative and enjoyable to read.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Source For Information, March 9, 2008
This review is from: The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge, Second Edition: A Desk Reference for the Curious Mind (Hardcover)
The essential book of knowlege is an easy reference book and jam backed with useful information. It can answer those quirky questions that you forgot the answers to quickly and easily. When was the last time you read the Declaration of Independence? What are those wine regions in France? How do I correctly punctuate this sentence? Faster than the internet.
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