Epic Fails: Invention: Major Events in Our History and Culture That Didn't Work Out

by Bart King

Most people think it's good to have new ideas. But what if your new ideas are terrible? In this book, you can read about people who turned their ideas (not all of them completely terrible) into inventions.


Have you ever done anything really, really stupid? Well, this series isn't about you. It's about other people who did really stupid things. And what happened as a result. In other words, epic fails. This easy reading book has entertaining illustrations sprinkled throughout.

Bart King writes humorous books for younger readers and immature adults. As a longtime middle-school teacher, Bart knows how to appeal to kids with funny writing and irresistible topics. His titles have been bestsellers on Amazon, and have been translated into Chinese, Spanish, and Australian.

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2016

About the author

I write funny and educational books for kids and immature adults. In 2026, two of my projects will hit shelves: FATHER HUMOR and a new Choose Your Own Adventure title that is still untitled.

Regarding my previous TIME TRAVEL INN books for CYOA, Jeff Kinney described them as being full of "mind-blowing adventure and heart-stopping thrills!", so I have that going for me.

What else? Disney-Hyperion published my funny science-fiction novel, THE DRAKE EQUATION. Reviews:
— “This novel has a lot going for it. There’s an immensely likable protagonist and his marvelous twin friends, a school life that feels true —particularly the petty weirdness of other kids— and a mystery that really engages the reader. King tosses a lot of balls in the air, keeping the twists fast and furious, but thankfully, while the protagonist is suitably overwhelmed, the reader isn’t.” San Francisco Review of Books
— "Librarians will find that young readers empathize with the young birdwatcher and his friends.... children will enjoy the school and friendship aspects of the story." Teacher Librarian Magazine
— "Noah is a strong enough character to snag interest and keep it... there's clever humor and a great central protagonist to carry readers along to the end." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
— "A clever sci-fi narrative with an enjoyable main character." Kirkus

I also wrote a Choose Your Own Adventure titled SPIES: MOE BERG, an espionage book titled THE POCKET GUIDE TO SPY STUFF, and THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES, a humorous guide to becoming a superhero, and then dealing with it.

Oregon State University Press published AN ARCHITECTURAL GUIDEBOOK TO PORTLAND. (It's medium-sized!) Finally, I taught middle school for many years. This was a wonderful experience, and I hope to recover from it soon. (I kid; it was the best job I've ever had.)