Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things

By Charles Panati

Book Overview

For lovers of facts, students of popular culture, history buffs, and science enthusiasts, the fascinating stories behind 500 everyday items, expressions, and customs--from Kleenex to steak sauce, Barbie Dolls to honeymoons.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060964197
• ISBN13: 9780060964191
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Indispensable!

My old copy is worn down to no covers! Time to order another copy!

My All-Time Favorite Book

This was a gift to me from my parents well over ten years ago and is a book I still read occasionally. Believe it or not, it represents the single most important positive influence in my education. I realize that most first time readers will not be impressionable elementary-school children like I was, but I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't be able to find this book an enjoyable read.

wonderful book

I have bought this book 3 times in many years and lose it to friends. It is educational and fun to pop out the origins when at work and someone is wondering where something came from or how a phrase got started. You can read for days if you could keep yourself up that long and then go back and read again.

Excellent reading.

I didn't learn this much history in school. It is amazing to learn that customs we practice today have their roots hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Ages high school to 100 will enjoy this book.