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A World of Curiosities

Surprising, Interesting, and Downright Unbelievable Facts from Every Nation on the Planet

John Oldale - Author

Paperback | $16.00 | add to cart | view cart
ISBN 9780452297838 | 320 pages | 24 Apr 2012 | Plume | 8.26 x 5.23in | 18 - AND UP
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From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe: everything you never knew you never knew about every country on Earth

A scientist by training and an explorer by passion, Dr. John Oldale has logged half a million miles visiting more than ninety nations. Now he celebrates our weird and wonderful world in a cornucopia of fascinating facts brought vividly to life through the unexpected stories behind them. Touching on history, travel, politics, natural history and more, he paints a unique portrait of each country from the mightiest to the most minuscule. You won't find the following in your average travel guide:

  • Why is kissing on trains banned in France?
  • In what country are litigants expected to present their case at court in the form of a poem?
  • Which war did women win in 1929 just by sitting down?
  • If Panama hats aren't from Panama, where are they from?
  • Who eat fresh camel dung as a cure for dysentery (and why does it work)?
  • Why were U.S. disc jockeys once told they could play birthday requests on any day except the one requested?
  • Which modern dictator banned old age, libraries and gold teeth, and was later replaced by his dentist?

  • And 2,000 more funny, trivial, poignant and telling facts

    A must for active and armchair globe-trotters alike, A World of Curiosities will engross anyone who is at all curious about the world beyond their door. Explore and enjoy.




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