Mental Floss presents In the Beginning: From Big Hair to the Big Bang, mental_floss presents a Mouthwatering Guide to the Origins of Everything – How Everyday Things Began

by Will Pearson, Mary Carmichael (Editor), Mental Floss (Editor)

Sure, you know all about the birds and bees. But did Dad ever tell you that it wasn't a stork that put that shiny can opener in your kitchen drawer? Or paperclips started out as proud, Nazi-fighting warriors? And did he tell you how cruise control was originally conceived by a blind genius? From mullets to Silly Putty, lie detectors to karaoke, we've got the true stories behind everything you didn't think had stories. Because if you're looking for answers, In the Beginning is the place to start.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Trivia, Reference, Humor, Comedy

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining enough, but nothing that makes it stand out from other similar trivia books.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book when I initially got it as a kid. I devoured it, and it instilled me with a wealth of knowledge that I'd never even truly considered before. The book is by Mental Floss, a website that I adored growing up and that had among the luminaries contributing to it one Ransom Riggs back in the day. Funny how that stuff works out. So, for a younger person? This book ranks up there with the old Disinformation titles that used to grace the bookshelves. Entertaining and a quick read that will open their minds up to the more bizarre bits of world history. To an adult? A lot of it is just old hat.

The book doesn't translate well digitally due to formatting, which is unfortunate since I no longer have my physical copy of it. Nevertheless, I'm glad I took the time to look through it. I miss the old days of Mental Floss and Disinformation and learning about the world. There are some mysteries in here (like silphium) that I still wonder about now and again. Other bits have been summarily disproven in the decades since it was first published.

Still? A fun way to open your mind to the mysteries of things. And a good way to start looking at life through the context of history and how we got here.

[Larry Hostetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading, interesting. Each page (or two) has the history of various items from paper clips to the word "guy." While I used it primarily for bathroom reading (it's very appropriate for that use), it is informative and worth the read. It won't change your view on life, but will add to your knowledge, and might even win a bet in a bar.

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a lover of trivia, finding this book was a joy to me. Done in a easy-to-understand writing style, the authors do a great job of including humor and facts to make an enjoyable read about how everyday things got their unique starts and improvements. A great book for fact lovers.

[Dee Shihab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Mental Floss, and this is one of my favorites books by them. You'll find a lot of information on how many of the things you encounter in daily life have started. It's a really fun read.

[Hal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mental Floss books are entertaining. No exception with this one. Origins of things one would have no idea to. They say learning something new each day is one of the keys to maintaining mental sharpness as we age. These books fit the bill.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of interesting facts & stories about various topics. My favorites were the stories of traffic lights, big hair, surgery, and London Bridge.

[Daniellgibson Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things mental floss!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know me and my trivia! This book was tons of fun to read when I wanted something light but still intriguing.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these kinds of books, this one was inspired.
Tell the origin stories of damn near everything.

[Hank Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bunch of stuff that you never knew you wanted or needed to know. Great read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations, book was hilarious.

[Danielle]

Anything by Mental Floss is fun and informative, and fulfils the promise of making you "Feel Smart Again!" in easy-to-digest chunks. This one did not disappoint.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was OK, I think I prefer the all history editions of Mental Floss better.

[SC]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11669184

[Heydi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and interesting facts, left me wanting to get all the other books and buy a magazine subscription.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love trivia but found this book to be too wordy. It didn't hold my interest.