Rare and Unusual Knowledge: Extraordinary Facts About Everyday Things (Facts and Knowledge)

Soap, rising bread and greying hair all have explanations, and Daniel Bulmez gathers hundreds of them in Rare and Unusual Knowledge. The chapters begin with the science of daily life and nature's oddities, such as lightning striking the same place twice, then move on to the origins of phrases like "break the ice" and "bite the bullet" and to cultural quirks like why some countries drive on the left. Landmarks, technology, health, food and sports are covered too, from lesser-known facts about the Eiffel Tower to how QR codes work.

This is a book to dip into a page at a time, which suits its many short facts. The publisher pitches it at trivia fans and curious readers, and the 704-page hardcover gives plenty to return to. It would also suit anyone who likes having a fact ready at the dinner table.