The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects

All the things you never knew you wanted to know!

I found the stories Emily Prokop describes about many of our everyday objects simply fascinating. However, she should have done a better job of researching her history, because the accuracy of her various chapters are a mixed bag.For example, in the chapter on gas masks, Prokop writes that gas attacks in World War I began in 1914, and that early attempts by soldiers to protect themselves involved using urine-soaked cloths. The respected historian John Keegan, in his book The First World War, reports that the first chemical attack on the Western Front took place on April 22, 1915, and that early attempts at protection against gas attacks were the use of cloths soaked in water, since chlorine, the agent used, is water-soluble.On the other hand, in her chapter on the term "Mad Hatter," Prokop correctly relates that Boston Corbett, the man responsible for killing John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin, was committed to an asylum after holding up the Kansas State Legislature. (This information can be confirmed in James Swanson's excellent book Manhunt: The 12-Day Hunt for Lincoln's Killer.) My best advice is to encourage readers to do their own homework to investigate the veracity of Prokop's information.Despite this shortcoming, one thing I really enjoyed about this book was the realization that so many of the inventions we use in our everyday lives were created by ordinary people -- people whom most of us have never heard of. I find this very encouraging, because these stories tell us that we don't have to be rich, famous, or powerful to make a difference in our world -- even ordinary people can make important contributions to society.If this book inspires you to dig further into the history behind some of the inventions she writes about, then I think Prokop's book is well worth the effort she put into it, despite the book's shortcomings.

My 25 year old son loved this book. He found the items that were discussed very interesting.

Great coffee table book to pick up anytime- great addition to our mountain cabin bookshelf!

I enjoy pop history books, especially those that explore the history of everyday objects. This book is straightforward and easy to read, with most objects covered in just two to three pages. However, I found the “TL;DR” section unnecessary—why include a feature that encourages skipping content in a book meant to be read? While there are better options available, this one is best suited for someone who enjoys trivia nights at their local bar rather than a deep dive into history.

Nice quality! Purchased as a gift it was well liked

Recipients enjoyed it. Not terribly in depth but a great quick read.

Always something interesting for a gift to a person who has everything. I didn't read it, but haven't heard anything back to think it wasn't a good idea.