Pocket Encyclopedia Of Aggravation - 97 Things In Life That Annoy, Bother, Chafe, Disturb, Enervate, Frustrate, Grate...

by Laura Lee

From airline food, bagpipes and Barney to soggy cereal, telemarketers and warts, here is the first A-to-Z, illustrated compendium of everyday annoyances--complete with truly informative scientific explanations and wry commentary. When it comes to aggravation, it's the little things that count. Car alarms, fingernails on a blackboard, having a song stuck in your head, cookie mush at the bottom of your coffee cup, mosquitoes, mimes, chain letters--and those silly curtains between First Class and Coach, what are those about? The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation is a unique tour through the things that drive us crazy, full of fascinating details about their inner workings, causes, remedies and histories. Deadpan cross-sections, diagrams, and technical drawings bring such things to life as VCRs that flash 12:00-12:00-12:00 and the sound waves created by nails on a chalkboard or crinkly candy wrappers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Reference

Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Laura Lee is the author of 22 books. In addition to a large catalog of humorous reference titles such as The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation and Don't Screw It Up, she has written one children's book, A Child's Introduction to Ballet, two novels, Angel and Identity Theft, and Oscar's Ghost, which deals with conflicts between members of Oscar Wilde's circle over his legacy after the playwright's death and Wilde Nights & Robber Barons, the story of a member of Wilde's circle who went on to be part of an international band of confidence tricksters who used false titles of nobility.

The San Francisco Chronicle has said of her work: "Lee's dry, humorous tone makes her a charming companion... She has a penchant for wordplay that is irresistible."

Lee brings to her writing a unique background which includes work as a professional mime, improvisational comic, and radio announcer. After a three-year stint as a part-time touring public relations director for a Russian ballet company, Lee has returned to her native
Michigan where she divides her time between writing and producing ballet educational tours with her partner a Russian ballet dancer and director.

Reviews

[Geoff Battle · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would need large pockets to fit this "pocket" encyclopedia in, although to be honest, it's probably going to live on the coffee table, or some such handy place. Easy to dip and out of, this reference aid for those annoyances in life is actually quite versatile. Sorted alphabetically, almost one hundred aggravating things are explored, offering insight in to how they occur, as well as explaining the science behind them. In most cases there author has offered a solution, although how plausible the solution is varies, after all some things just can't be resolved - yet they can certainly still get your back up.

Each subject is covered in a couple of pages or so, which some simple illustrations (which although break up the prose, don't really offer much). There's humour in the writing though, a light hearted approach is taken throughout, making this an enjoyable read. The facts are well presented and I learned lots of interesting trivia whilst reading about subjects that are universally relatable. In modern culture we are all annoyed by the same things and this book captures that well.

One small piece of feedback, is that he very first article is probably one of the least interesting in the whole book. It's a bit tough going, yet the rest of the book is captivating - so you see this in a bookshop don't judge it on the first entry. A good gift for the pessimists, the grumpy, the vocal, the quietly steaming... pretty much everyone really.

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is excellent! I'll be finishing this book within the next several hours. For me it's the typical sit-down-to-coffee and biscuits, type of book.
I hope more similar books will be added to Apple ghooks, my reading app of choice. Maybe there will be more editions of this book in future.

[C Phil · Rating 2 out of 5]

A classic Xmas book from a relative. Mildly interesting to flick through when overfed at Xmas, but little value beyond.

[Daniel Oster · Rating 3 out of 5]

At least there were some funny bits

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

©2001

The premise of this book is fun, but it is dated...most statics are based in the 90's and the technology reflected within is obviously dated.

[Esti Ipaenim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kalo penasaran pengen tahu hal-hal kecil menyebalkan yang selalu jadi sumpah serapah kita seperti kenapa vending machine selalu nolak duit yang kamu masukin, mungkin bisa baca ini.

Saya amaze aja karena ternyata banyak orang yang meneliti hal-hal remeh nan menjengkelkan tersebut.

Konon katanya kalau kita paham akan penyebab hal-hal itu, kejengkelan kita bisa lebih menurun.

Lumayan buat dibaca saat gak pengen baca yang berat-berat.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Encyclopaedia of Aggravation was a fun "scientific" insight into life's little annoyances. Although not everything mentioned in this book is a personal annoyance I can see how some things might be for others. The cross section diagram, the studies and facts to show the wacky and outlandish experiments done to get to the bottom of things like "Why to boy racers have car music so loud" was pretty funny yet insightful at times.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous look at the minor things in life that are, indeed, aggravating; Lee not only describes the items/events, but also gives a little background into why they are so annoying. For example, the screech of fingernails on a chalkboard resembles an alarm cry of the macaque monkey; however, the noise is less irritating when played on its own, without the accompanying visuals. Mock-illustrations and a fairly extensive reference section add to the experience.

I was a little disappointed in the editing, as there were several easily-spotted typos. I didn't spot any obvious urban legends, but there were a few items I'd be curious to do more research on.

Recommended to fans of trivia books with a good sense of humour.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation: 97 Things That Annoy, Bother, Chafe, Disturb, Enervate, Frustrate, Grate, Harass, Irk, Jar, Miff, Nettle, Outrage, Peeve, Quash, Rile, Stress Out, Trouble, Upset, Vex, Worry, and X, Y, Z You! by Laura Lee - Sometimes when you understand why it irritates you, it helps you control your reaction. Its comforting to know I'm not alone in my irritation! Happy Reading!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exceptionally outdated at this time, plus even had I read this when it wasn't outdated, I'm not sure I would have found it worthwhile then. The problem with books like this is they are subjective and therefore skewed towards the authors bias. So what drives the author nuts might not be too big a deal for me.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't sweat the small stuff.

[Laura Lee]

The French language edition of The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation

[Laura Lee]

Forthcoming updated edition of The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation

[Laura Lee]

The original edition of The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation