Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges Into History

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into...

by Bathroom Readers' Institute (Editor)

Whether you’re a history buff, or you just like reading great stories, you’ll see the past in a whole new light after reading Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Plunges into History. Uncle John uncovers the truth behind some of history’s most persistent myths, flushes out information you were never taught in school, and gives history fans something they can really digest. Since 1987, the Bathroom Readers’ Institute has led the movement to stand up for those who sit down and read in the bathroom (and everywhere else for that matter). With more than 11 million books in print, the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader series is the longest-running, most popular series of its kind in the world.

Where else could you learn about the 10 most forgotten people in history, mistakes that led to great discoveries, and how a fish had a hand (er, fin) in beating Napoleon? Uncle John rules the world of information and humor, so get ready to be thoroughly entertained. Read all about…

The short history of underwear
Odd deaths of famous figures
Abe Lincoln, fashion icon
The real Lady Godiva
Royal inbreeds and promiscuous popes
The true story of Braveheart
And much more!

Genres: History, Humor, Nonfiction, Trivia, Reference, Ebooks, Short Stories

512 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2002

About the author

The Bathroom Reader's Institute UJBR boasts more than 12 million books in print and a membership base topping 40,000 loyal readers . . .

Reviews

[Phillip Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published in 2001 with only one fact that did not remain true over time: Ronald Reagan being the only divorced president. The book was both informative and entertaining for me with some amazing stories told of the Crusades and of William Brodie who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It was a page turner of interesting facts, quizzes, and a great deal of fun.

[Brandon Forsyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book admirably served its purpose all year, even though the amateur historian in me rebelled at how fast and loose it played with the idea of history. But now I know that 'pumpernickel' came from the German for "goblin fart"!

[Dave Donahoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first Ebooks I put on my Nook in 2012. It's a trivia book so I could pick it up and set it down at any time without losing my place. I'd read it at airports on business trips and on those mall shopping marathons, usually around the holidays, when my wife didn't want me caterpillaring her around the stores. Finally done! Still 4 years is a long ass time to read any book.

[Mitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the format/content of Uncle John's Bathroom Readers generally, (and the lightness of tone), but the content of this one- not as much as others. Why?

Because it dealt with history and because recorded history spends a LOT of time discussing the minutia of military engagements.

Did you know that "Of the last 3,500 years, only 23o years saw no major wars."? -Page 478

So a lot of this book is about battles and other such grisly events. (Stuff about Hannibal Lector's inspiration, about Jack the Ripper, the guillotine, etc....)

Still, you'll find some non-grisly stuff insulating the rest, and it'll please your trivia-happy mind, most likely.

Side Note: I have read very little of these books while actually in the bathroom. Just a personal non-preference.

[Beckiezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put off finishing this because I didn't want to not have bathroom reading options, but all good things must come to an end. I'd give this five stars but it was a bit too focused on western history. It's a nice long book with lots of interesting facts. I'll look forward to finding another bathroom reader book for future use.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved reading this series because it gives me information that i wouldn't have tried to look up myself. The way they put the information together makes some of the stories so funny you think it's not true but 90% of the stories are true.

[spike marlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a a quirky but interesting book. Meant to be taken in bite-sized pieces. The articles are reasonably historically accurate but written with humour to bring my out some of the absurdity that is found n history. Good but I wouldn’t read another one soon.

[Kbreach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always learning something new with these books! No, I do not actually read them in the bathroom. They are great for traveling or waiting to pick up the kids from wherever.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flush with historical facts and humor!

[Lucas]

I like these

[Kristine J Beane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love history and BRI puts it in perfect format!
I love Uncle John's Bathroom Readers! Read them for a couple of decades now

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book entertained me while I sat on the throne for years before we were gifted with the smart phone.

[Raven Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a good time with Uncle John! If people ever wonder why I'm good at trivia, these are why.

[Robb Christopherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sat in our bathroom for a few years and I've slowly been reading it while taking care of business. I've always been jealous of Kristen and Doug's bathroom reading and this was purchased to start a collection just like theirs!

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I did not read this book in the bathroom. But I do enjoy the quick but comprehensive snippets of history. I started it a long time ago but would pick it up from time to time. Very interesting stuff!

[Drea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't read this book in the bathroom because I'd be living in my bathroom. I love the wealth of tid bit information and learning little facts of history that may have been lost over time. I enjoy all the bathroom readers. If you love to learn, this is the book for you!

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything and everything is in here... gotta like it.

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving up this book. It is boring.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable foray into History, in small, bite-sized doses! Amusing anecdotes and straight facts make it an overall easy way to enjoy bits of random information. :)

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading random historical facts even if some of them aren't accurate. The innaccuracies keep me from giving 5 stars.

[Utena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun little facts. I really enjoyed this book. :D

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

You couldn't use this to crib answers for a test but it's amusing and interesting, two things I value highly in my reading material.

[Carolyn Bunkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If they taught history like this in school, kids would LOVE the subject!

[Froggarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the bathroom reader books! this one was great being filled with history facts!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great BRI, great historical theme.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all 25! Love them!

[Jelena R · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining collection of less-known historical anecdotes.

[Rich Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good Bathroom Reader volume. As always, there's a lot of obscure knowledge and trivia about a lot of events that the average person may not be aware of, making this another fun read!

[Dan Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love these trivia books to pass the time during my "morning meeting".
The history theme in this one was great, especially.

[Jules Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great way to pass the time when you are...indisposed.