More Miscellany From Collected Miscellany

I think I have found the Official Book of Collected Miscellany: Schott’s Original Miscellany. Here is Publishers weekly’s blurb:

Ever wonder how one ties a sari? Or who makes the Queen of England’s pork sausages? How about which three films managed to take all five of the top Oscar awards (picture, director, actress, actor and screenplay), or which Burmese kings died “curious deaths”? Answers to these questions and hundreds more can be found in this delightfully eclectic collection of facts, diagrams, quotations and symbols. Charmingly designed (with its various typefaces, columns and occasional graphics, it looks a little like an old-fashioned almanac), Schott’s slim volume was an unexpected bestseller in England. Now the 28-year-old British designer-photographer has updated the book for American readers. Among its additions, the North American version includes a chart of cattle branding symbols, a list of notable Canadians and a description of the Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Internationally essential trivia-such as the recipe for a martini, instructions for tying a bow tie, and a selection of quotations from Dr. Johnson-has, of course, been preserved. Schott declares that the purpose of his little book is to “gather the flotsam and jetsam of the conversational tide.” Readers may find its smile-provoking pages absolutely addictive.

What with the Miscellany tie in and the fun subject it sounds perfect no? Actually it sounds like a description of my college education . . .

Kevin Holtsberry
I work in communications and public affairs. I try to squeeze in as much reading as I can while still spending time with my wife and two kids (and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan Wolverines during football season).