Failed in my quest for an advent calendar - can't understand why Cadburys ones are so hard to find t...
Failed in my quest for an advent calendar - can't understand why Cadburys ones are so hard to find this year!
Member since:21.05.2008
Reviews:108
Members who trust:37
Those readers familiar with the ever-unpredictable BBC series will already have an idea what to expect from this, but for those who aren't - or haven't read this book - I'll mention that first rule of approaching anything QI related - "Everything you think you know is wrong".
Many, many years ago, my gran gave me a little book by the Readers' Digest called fact or fiction which explored common myths and misconceptions such as "If it rains on St. Swithin's Day, it will rain for 40 days and nights". The QI book is a little like a new millennium version of that book but more accessible and entertaining in content. Trick questions and obscure trivia abound - ever wondered what the proper name is for a female goldfish? Have a look in this book.
I didn't buy this for myself - I asked for it as a Christmas present - so I'm not sure exactly what it cost, but I have loved the slightly quirky, irreverent and often wandering-down-the-garden-path feel to the TV programme (scarily, it reminds me of the way I think - I'm easily distracted) and although this book is thin on Stephen Fry and the excellent Alan Davies (the programmes just wouldn't be QI without those two) each of them do have a little contribution at the start of the book. I can't describe that in words - it would be a bit of a spoiler - but it's worth looking out for
The writing style is very good - although it is frequently pointing out common misconceptions (chastity belts, by the way, were not worn by the gender most people think they were worn by - but were they worn at all?) it never patronises the reader for thinking these things because - as it explains - it is really exploring how the general knowledge we all think we know about isn't actually what we think. There's a mine of information and trivia in here.
A good book and worth a read - doesn't take itself too seriously and knows how to engage the reader's interest.
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Compendium of popular misconceptions misunderstandings and common mistakes culled from ... more
the hit BBC show QI. Published to coincide with the fourth series broadcast in September 2006. If like Alan Davies you still think that Henry VIII had six wives ...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: People think you are clever without having to tell them lies Disadvantages: Can only be carried around in your pocket if you are wearing a dressing-gown
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