History buffs, science students, lovers of popular culture, and natural-born detectives will plunge right into this ultimate guide for curious minds. It’s absolutely fascinating, with background on the origins of more than 300 modern phenomena, objects, sayings, stories, and superstitions that most people take for granted. Complete with humorous illustrations and easy-to-navigate chapters, the eye-opening explanations and amazing anecdotes reveal the truth behind the birth and brilliance of the brown paper bag; the 4000-year history of toothpaste and its torrid past; and the reasons for the staying power of popular puzzles from Rubik’s Cube to sudoku. Find out why we have nature to thank for Velcro, Valium, and the Guggenheim; why we get the blues and not the reds; and why Heinz has the Romans to thank for its saucy success. Guaranteed to absorb, amuse and delight, it’s also a great way to impress friends with your arcane knowledge! 

Origin of Everyday Things

Think Books

Reference

This celebration of the English countryside does not only focus on the rolling green landscapes and magnificent monuments that set England apart from the rest of the world. Many of the contributors bring their own special touch, presenting a refreshingly eclectic variety of personal icons, from pub signs to seaside piers, from cattle grids to canal boats, and from village cricket to nimbies. First published as a lavish colour coffeetable book, this new expanded paperback edition has double the original number of contributions from many celebrities including Bill Bryson, Michael Palin, Eric Clapton, Bryan Ferry, Sebastian Faulks, Kate Adie, Kevin Spacey, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Richard Mabey , Simon Jenkins, John Sergeant, Benjamin Zephaniah, Joan Bakewell, Antony Beevor, Libby Purves, Jonathan Dimbleby, and many more: and a new preface by HRH Prince Charles.

Icons of England

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Think Books. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Think Books

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Think Books. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Origin of Everyday Things

Icons of England