I slowly read this book over a period of more than one year(!). I liked it at first, but my interest steadily decreased over the months. There are some good passages and pieces of information new to an illiterate like me, but also uninteresting data. Not really recommendable finally. ( )

Poorly researched collection of facts a la Schott's Miscellany. Some horrendous errors of basic language and mathematics, quite aside from the errors you'd need to know a bit about literature to spot. Quirky and mildly diverting. Glad it was in the sale, I wouldn't like to give anyone the full price for it. ( )