A Book For All Occasions, 10 Oct 2006
This book was an enjoyable read. It was a nice, light paperback that could be picked up to fill in a few minutes at the end of a period of study or used to wind down after a hard days work. It showed the underlying maths in everyday problems and although it had some slow parts, the chapters were short enough to have a nice taste of the mathematical side of life without getting too deep in formulae and theories. I especially enjoyed the chapters on game show decisions and also about conmen and what they dream up. All in all, if you are looking for something light and non-taxing but something that broadens your understandings of practical maths, then this book is for you. However, for something challenging and highly mathematical based, another read would be fitting.

Entertaining for all, 01 May 2006
I AM a mathematician and had come across a few of the things in far more detail in other books before - which I'd also liked. Seeing these and other nuggets in this lighter book was great - I'm now re-reading bits, and am buying a copy for my dear old mum (who claims to be not at all mathematical but liked the look of it when she visited).

Thoroughly entertaining book, 09 May 2003
I thought this was an excllent book - full of interesting real-life situations and the maths that you never knew underpinned them. I particularly liked the chapter on karaoke singers and the maths behind 'in-tune' or 'out of tune' music.

Stimulating, wide-ranging and entertaining, 26 Mar 2003
As somebody who hasn't seriously touched any maths since my A level 20 years ago, I found this book a fascinating read. The chapters on music particularly interest me, and like other chapters they bring out ideas that I have not come across before. If you want complex maths, there are thousands of books that provide enough challenge - face it, you just have to look at ANY maths textbook for students. This book is surely not aiming at the people who want books like that. If you are like me, you are curious about the maths of everyday life but aren't particularly interested in sweating your way through algebraic proofs that can often get in the way of the seeing bigger picture. I wanted a book about maths that was fun, thought-provoking and readable, and for me this book is just right.

Too simple, 11 Mar 2003
This book has been rated too high so far in my opinion by other customers. I am a self taught mathematics fan and consider this book as hardly chalenging at all, which is one of the things that makes mathematics attractive to me. Whenever the authors (which isn't very often) decide to put things into formulae, they don't even explain where they come from. It is entertaining to read, however, but I would say the book should be recomended to people whose main interests lie within the humanities or for highschool teenagers, certainly not for adults with a background in mathematics.

A Book For All Occasions, 10 Oct 2006
This book was an enjoyable read. It was a nice, light paperback that could be picked up to fill in a few minutes at the end of a period of study or used to wind down after a hard days work. It showed the underlying maths in everyday problems and although it had some slow parts, the chapters were short enough to have a nice taste of the mathematical side of life without getting too deep in formulae and theories. I especially enjoyed the chapters on game show decisions and also about conmen and what they dream up. All in all, if you are looking for something light and non-taxing but something that broadens your understandings of practical maths, then this book is for you. However, for something challenging and highly mathematical based, another read would be fitting.

Entertaining for all, 01 May 2006
I AM a mathematician and had come across a few of the things in far more detail in other books before - which I'd also liked. Seeing these and other nuggets in this lighter book was great - I'm now re-reading bits, and am buying a copy for my dear old mum (who claims to be not at all mathematical but liked the look of it when she visited).

Thoroughly entertaining book, 09 May 2003
I thought this was an excllent book - full of interesting real-life situations and the maths that you never knew underpinned them. I particularly liked the chapter on karaoke singers and the maths behind 'in-tune' or 'out of tune' music.

Stimulating, wide-ranging and entertaining, 26 Mar 2003
As somebody who hasn't seriously touched any maths since my A level 20 years ago, I found this book a fascinating read. The chapters on music particularly interest me, and like other chapters they bring out ideas that I have not come across before. If you want complex maths, there are thousands of books that provide enough challenge - face it, you just have to look at ANY maths textbook for students. This book is surely not aiming at the people who want books like that. If you are like me, you are curious about the maths of everyday life but aren't particularly interested in sweating your way through algebraic proofs that can often get in the way of the seeing bigger picture. I wanted a book about maths that was fun, thought-provoking and readable, and for me this book is just right.

Too simple, 11 Mar 2003
This book has been rated too high so far in my opinion by other customers. I am a self taught mathematics fan and consider this book as hardly chalenging at all, which is one of the things that makes mathematics attractive to me. Whenever the authors (which isn't very often) decide to put things into formulae, they don't even explain where they come from. It is entertaining to read, however, but I would say the book should be recomended to people whose main interests lie within the humanities or for highschool teenagers, certainly not for adults with a background in mathematics.

Wonderful!, 20 Dec 2007
Preceding reviewer clearly has no imagination: this book is lovely.
There are range of questions: Some are those where you feel you ought to know the answer but don't (such as "why only fingers and toes wrinkle in the bath" or "why mirrors invert left/right but not up/down"), others are things you've noticed but never thought about: "Why does the escalator hand-rail often travel at a different speed to the stairs?"

The answers are universally clear and well written. They are interesting for a wide audience and not patronizing. It's definitely an easy read and fun to pick up and leaf through at random.

Highly recommended!


A bit dull, 24 Nov 2007
I love various trivia and mental tests like pub quizzes, Countdown and Scrabble, so thought this would be just the kind of book I'd enjoy, but I must admit to finding it rather dull.

Some of the explanations are just too scientific and some of the questions are things I'd never even bothered to think about asking, they are just so esoteric.

I guess what's probably suited to most is toilet reading. Flick through the pages, avoiding the dull bits and pick up a few facts in a 5 minute read and then go off and bore your friends and family about it for a day or two.

I appreciate some serious scientists might like it, but I'm just warning those expecting something light.

A Book For All Occasions, 10 Oct 2006
This book was an enjoyable read. It was a nice, light paperback that could be picked up to fill in a few minutes at the end of a period of study or used to wind down after a hard days work. It showed the underlying maths in everyday problems and although it had some slow parts, the chapters were short enough to have a nice taste of the mathematical side of life without getting too deep in formulae and theories. I especially enjoyed the chapters on game show decisions and also about conmen and what they dream up. All in all, if you are looking for something light and non-taxing but something that broadens your understandings of practical maths, then this book is for you. However, for something challenging and highly mathematical based, another read would be fitting.

Entertaining for all, 01 May 2006
I AM a mathematician and had come across a few of the things in far more detail in other books before - which I'd also liked. Seeing these and other nuggets in this lighter book was great - I'm now re-reading bits, and am buying a copy for my dear old mum (who claims to be not at all mathematical but liked the look of it when she visited).

Thoroughly entertaining book, 09 May 2003
I thought this was an excllent book - full of interesting real-life situations and the maths that you never knew underpinned them. I particularly liked the chapter on karaoke singers and the maths behind 'in-tune' or 'out of tune' music.

Stimulating, wide-ranging and entertaining, 26 Mar 2003
As somebody who hasn't seriously touched any maths since my A level 20 years ago, I found this book a fascinating read. The chapters on music particularly interest me, and like other chapters they bring out ideas that I have not come across before. If you want complex maths, there are thousands of books that provide enough challenge - face it, you just have to look at ANY maths textbook for students. This book is surely not aiming at the people who want books like that. If you are like me, you are curious about the maths of everyday life but aren't particularly interested in sweating your way through algebraic proofs that can often get in the way of the seeing bigger picture. I wanted a book about maths that was fun, thought-provoking and readable, and for me this book is just right.

Too simple, 11 Mar 2003
This book has been rated too high so far in my opinion by other customers. I am a self taught mathematics fan and consider this book as hardly chalenging at all, which is one of the things that makes mathematics attractive to me. Whenever the authors (which isn't very often) decide to put things into formulae, they don't even explain where they come from. It is entertaining to read, however, but I would say the book should be recomended to people whose main interests lie within the humanities or for highschool teenagers, certainly not for adults with a background in mathematics.

Wonderful!, 20 Dec 2007
Preceding reviewer clearly has no imagination: this book is lovely.
There are range of questions: Some are those where you feel you ought to know the answer but don't (such as "why only fingers and toes wrinkle in the bath" or "why mirrors invert left/right but not up/down"), others are things you've noticed but never thought about: "Why does the escalator hand-rail often travel at a different speed to the stairs?"

The answers are universally clear and well written. They are interesting for a wide audience and not patronizing. It's definitely an easy read and fun to pick up and leaf through at random.

Highly recommended!


A bit dull, 24 Nov 2007
I love various trivia and mental tests like pub quizzes, Countdown and Scrabble, so thought this would be just the kind of book I'd enjoy, but I must admit to finding it rather dull.

Some of the explanations are just too scientific and some of the questions are things I'd never even bothered to think about asking, they are just so esoteric.

I guess what's probably suited to most is toilet reading. Flick through the pages, avoiding the dull bits and pick up a few facts in a 5 minute read and then go off and bore your friends and family about it for a day or two.

I appreciate some serious scientists might like it, but I'm just warning those expecting something light.

Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show.

A Book For All Occasions, 10 Oct 2006
This book was an enjoyable read. It was a nice, light paperback that could be picked up to fill in a few minutes at the end of a period of study or used to wind down after a hard days work. It showed the underlying maths in everyday problems and although it had some slow parts, the chapters were short enough to have a nice taste of the mathematical side of life without getting too deep in formulae and theories. I especially enjoyed the chapters on game show decisions and also about conmen and what they dream up. All in all, if you are looking for something light and non-taxing but something that broadens your understandings of practical maths, then this book is for you. However, for something challenging and highly mathematical based, another read would be fitting.

Entertaining for all, 01 May 2006
I AM a mathematician and had come across a few of the things in far more detail in other books before - which I'd also liked. Seeing these and other nuggets in this lighter book was great - I'm now re-reading bits, and am buying a copy for my dear old mum (who claims to be not at all mathematical but liked the look of it when she visited).

Thoroughly entertaining book, 09 May 2003
I thought this was an excllent book - full of interesting real-life situations and the maths that you never knew underpinned them. I particularly liked the chapter on karaoke singers and the maths behind 'in-tune' or 'out of tune' music.

Stimulating, wide-ranging and entertaining, 26 Mar 2003
As somebody who hasn't seriously touched any maths since my A level 20 years ago, I found this book a fascinating read. The chapters on music particularly interest me, and like other chapters they bring out ideas that I have not come across before. If you want complex maths, there are thousands of books that provide enough challenge - face it, you just have to look at ANY maths textbook for students. This book is surely not aiming at the people who want books like that. If you are like me, you are curious about the maths of everyday life but aren't particularly interested in sweating your way through algebraic proofs that can often get in the way of the seeing bigger picture. I wanted a book about maths that was fun, thought-provoking and readable, and for me this book is just right.

Too simple, 11 Mar 2003
This book has been rated too high so far in my opinion by other customers. I am a self taught mathematics fan and consider this book as hardly chalenging at all, which is one of the things that makes mathematics attractive to me. Whenever the authors (which isn't very often) decide to put things into formulae, they don't even explain where they come from. It is entertaining to read, however, but I would say the book should be recomended to people whose main interests lie within the humanities or for highschool teenagers, certainly not for adults with a background in mathematics.

Wonderful!, 20 Dec 2007
Preceding reviewer clearly has no imagination: this book is lovely.
There are range of questions: Some are those where you feel you ought to know the answer but don't (such as "why only fingers and toes wrinkle in the bath" or "why mirrors invert left/right but not up/down"), others are things you've noticed but never thought about: "Why does the escalator hand-rail often travel at a different speed to the stairs?"

The answers are universally clear and well written. They are interesting for a wide audience and not patronizing. It's definitely an easy read and fun to pick up and leaf through at random.

Highly recommended!


A bit dull, 24 Nov 2007
I love various trivia and mental tests like pub quizzes, Countdown and Scrabble, so thought this would be just the kind of book I'd enjoy, but I must admit to finding it rather dull.

Some of the explanations are just too scientific and some of the questions are things I'd never even bothered to think about asking, they are just so esoteric.

I guess what's probably suited to most is toilet reading. Flick through the pages, avoiding the dull bits and pick up a few facts in a 5 minute read and then go off and bore your friends and family about it for a day or two.

I appreciate some serious scientists might like it, but I'm just warning those expecting something light.

Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show.

thoroughly interesting and informative - and funny too!, 20 Nov 2008
I loved this book, and enjoyed it as I enjoyed all of Mr Oliver's offerings. I received his series as a gift and have pored over the entries with interest - Harry's books are the sort you dip in and out of and never fail to learn something new from. fantastic!

A Book For All Occasions, 10 Oct 2006
This book was an enjoyable read. It was a nice, light paperback that could be picked up to fill in a few minutes at the end of a period of study or used to wind down after a hard days work. It showed the underlying maths in everyday problems and although it had some slow parts, the chapters were short enough to have a nice taste of the mathematical side of life without getting too deep in formulae and theories. I especially enjoyed the chapters on game show decisions and also about conmen and what they dream up. All in all, if you are looking for something light and non-taxing but something that broadens your understandings of practical maths, then this book is for you. However, for something challenging and highly mathematical based, another read would be fitting.

Entertaining for all, 01 May 2006
I AM a mathematician and had come across a few of the things in far more detail in other books before - which I'd also liked. Seeing these and other nuggets in this lighter book was great - I'm now re-reading bits, and am buying a copy for my dear old mum (who claims to be not at all mathematical but liked the look of it when she visited).

Thoroughly entertaining book, 09 May 2003
I thought this was an excllent book - full of interesting real-life situations and the maths that you never knew underpinned them. I particularly liked the chapter on karaoke singers and the maths behind 'in-tune' or 'out of tune' music.

Stimulating, wide-ranging and entertaining, 26 Mar 2003
As somebody who hasn't seriously touched any maths since my A level 20 years ago, I found this book a fascinating read. The chapters on music particularly interest me, and like other chapters they bring out ideas that I have not come across before. If you want complex maths, there are thousands of books that provide enough challenge - face it, you just have to look at ANY maths textbook for students. This book is surely not aiming at the people who want books like that. If you are like me, you are curious about the maths of everyday life but aren't particularly interested in sweating your way through algebraic proofs that can often get in the way of the seeing bigger picture. I wanted a book about maths that was fun, thought-provoking and readable, and for me this book is just right.

Too simple, 11 Mar 2003
This book has been rated too high so far in my opinion by other customers. I am a self taught mathematics fan and consider this book as hardly chalenging at all, which is one of the things that makes mathematics attractive to me. Whenever the authors (which isn't very often) decide to put things into formulae, they don't even explain where they come from. It is entertaining to read, however, but I would say the book should be recomended to people whose main interests lie within the humanities or for highschool teenagers, certainly not for adults with a background in mathematics.

Wonderful!, 20 Dec 2007
Preceding reviewer clearly has no imagination: this book is lovely.
There are range of questions: Some are those where you feel you ought to know the answer but don't (such as "why only fingers and toes wrinkle in the bath" or "why mirrors invert left/right but not up/down"), others are things you've noticed but never thought about: "Why does the escalator hand-rail often travel at a different speed to the stairs?"

The answers are universally clear and well written. They are interesting for a wide audience and not patronizing. It's definitely an easy read and fun to pick up and leaf through at random.

Highly recommended!


A bit dull, 24 Nov 2007
I love various trivia and mental tests like pub quizzes, Countdown and Scrabble, so thought this would be just the kind of book I'd enjoy, but I must admit to finding it rather dull.

Some of the explanations are just too scientific and some of the questions are things I'd never even bothered to think about asking, they are just so esoteric.

I guess what's probably suited to most is toilet reading. Flick through the pages, avoiding the dull bits and pick up a few facts in a 5 minute read and then go off and bore your friends and family about it for a day or two.

I appreciate some serious scientists might like it, but I'm just warning those expecting something light.

Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show.

thoroughly interesting and informative - and funny too!, 20 Nov 2008
I loved this book, and enjoyed it as I enjoyed all of Mr Oliver's offerings. I received his series as a gift and have pored over the entries with interest - Harry's books are the sort you dip in and out of and never fail to learn something new from. fantastic!

Don't mistake this for a book of facts. , 22 Sep 2007
The disclaimer at the start sums up this book:
"The views presented in this publication are are those of the author. The information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessments of the matters discussed and are advised to consult a professional to verify all relevant representations, statements and information obtained from this book."

The events in this book are claimed to "have been carefully chosen because they highlight major turning points in the history of the world." This is bound to be subjective, but he has ignored the inventions of paper, radar, lasers... Scipio's defeat of Hannibal (which prevented Rome from being wiped out before it became an empire), the creation of Israel, or of the League of Nations/United Nations, the genocides in Cambodia or Rwanda, the invention of the internet... etc. Instead Rodney Castleden has chosen Steamboat Willie, the Death of the 'Iceman' in the Alps, the discovery of the Niagara Falls, harpooning of the first sperm whale, and Anchorage earthquake as major turning points in history. (Why a remote earthquake in Alaska instead of the one in Shaanxi, China which killed approx. 830,000 people?)

Biblical stories, legends and myths are presented as facts (King Arthur?). I was surprised it did not give Noah and the Great Flood... no wait, what's that under "Global Warming (10,000 BC)"? ...no, actually he doesn't. This book is riddled with, "It was suggested..." or "It is said...", but by whom? It is full of inaccuracies - the Theory of Relativity has been confused with Quantum Mechanics, Confucius is confused with Lao Tzu,...

I gave it two stars, as it initially gave me doubts, made me think, then made me look things up on Wikipedia, and so confirming/learning what the current state of accepted understanding of these events are.