Think of anything bad, from art heists to Genghis Kahn, and it's likely to be included in this wickedly smart and humorous guide to the seedy underbelly of basically everything. The brainiac team at "mental_floss", creators of the hit magazine and last year's Condensed Knowledge, have scoured the darkest, dirtiest corners of history and the globe to gather this ultimate collection of the bad stuff you're not supposed to know and you certainly never learned in school.
Organized by theme, with chapters for each of the seven deadly sins, the book includes feuds, plagiarists, hoaxes, lies, schemes, scandals, evil dictators, mob bosses, acts of revenge, angry queens, cannibals and much more, all organized into bite-sized--albeit foul-tasting--lists (i.e."The Fascist Style Guide: Five Dictator Grooming Tips", Four Biblical Girls Gone Wild" and Three Delicious Animals We Charbroiled Into Extinction."). It's the perfect way to add some spice to a dull conversation and proves that learning can be not only easy, but exquisitely sinful.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
fun and interesting book:
I read this book in short bursts of time - really interesting facts that you can share at your next cocktail party - or with your spouse! Totally addictive though, try not to stay up all night reading it to completion.
Observe Correct Dosage:
This over-the-counter book provides plentiful dollops of irony from the annals of history. It's perfect for keeping on the nightstand when you don't have what it takes to read a novel. The contents are appealing, however, so beware of accidental overdose.
Your reading time's worth:
Interesting facts about people, whch you won't find in history books; remarkable facts about places, not to be found in geography books; and fascinating bits about people, never found on magazines. The quirks and depths of human nature wittily classified under the umbrella of the seven 'mortal' sins. Everthing you always wanted to know, and then some.
Such a great book!!!!:
As a trivia buff, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves "useless" knowledge. The book is separated into the 7 deadly sins and gives historical examples past & present. Definately a great buy!!!
