The Ultimate Book of Useless Information: Noel Botham & The Useless Information Society

I always enjoy getting my hands on books of this nature because it gives me a sense of learning but in a fun and amusing way. I immediately made sure to let the family know of the receipt of this book so that it would become a quick conversation piece and after wrestling the title back from my father's death grip, I thus claimed it mine again.

Upon opening up the book I found the introductory passages a bit on the dry side, the start being that of entertainment actors and actress - an area that I typically have no interest in besides the enjoyment of seeing Paris Hilton behind bars - and various tidbits from past royals. There is truly just too many firsts, seconds, thirds and Henry the fifths floating around for me to be able to piece together what useless information is being provided.

Moving onto the science section I found that yes I did know most of the information provided however that is because I am a junkie of useless information and I pride myself on knowing such things. It is always a good thing to be able to have a bit of useless information for an icebreaker or a conversation starter-upper.

The BEST part of the book is the quotes that come from various famous people - presidents, queens, Britney Spears, Elvis - that are completely ridiculous. We are reminded that many of these people ruled an entire country not to mention how much money and influence they had. Just remembering some of the quotes makes me shudder.

I do have a few favorites of course:

1. To make women learned and foxes tame has the same defect - to make them more cunning. - King James I
2. It is white - President George W Bush (describing the white house)
3. Hawaii is a unique state. It is a state that is by itself. It is different from the other forty-nine states. Well, all states are different, but it's got a particularly unique situation. - Dan Quayle

I highly recommend this book to everyone, young and old, or at least to place atop a coffee table so that visitors can take a moment to poke though it. My only complaint is that it is not long enough.

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Publisher: Perigee Trade; Reprint edition (May 2, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0399533508
ISBN-13: 978-0399533501
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