The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge
250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable History Facts You Won't Be Taught in School
Will be published approx. on 30. July 2026
Book
Hardback
208 pages
978-1-916745-19-3 (ISBN)
Description
An encyclopedia of mind-bogglingly random history facts that will lodge in your brain and refuse to leave.
Heard about King Henry II's polar bear that was allowed to swim in the River Thames? Or the Japanese soldier who refused to believe that WWII was over and continued to fight until the 1970s? Do you know which US president was a champion wrestler before taking office?
In this compendium of obscure facts, readers will be treated to baffling history knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including royals and leaders, sport, and food, a team of experts has scoured the margins to find the silliest and most pointless history facts that the world has to offer.
Accompanied by hilarious illustrations, kids will meet characters like Wojtek the orphaned bear cub who was enlisted in the Polish army, discover which famous explorer used his own poop to help him escape during a blizzard, and learn why hot cross buns were believed to keep away evil spirits. They will also unearth completely useless information, including which US city held a funeral for 30,000 pizzas.
(SPOILER: the information in this book isn't really useless. It will inspire, shock, and amuse the reader-and maybe spark an interest that will last a lifetime. It just won't help you with any exams!)
Heard about King Henry II's polar bear that was allowed to swim in the River Thames? Or the Japanese soldier who refused to believe that WWII was over and continued to fight until the 1970s? Do you know which US president was a champion wrestler before taking office?
In this compendium of obscure facts, readers will be treated to baffling history knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including royals and leaders, sport, and food, a team of experts has scoured the margins to find the silliest and most pointless history facts that the world has to offer.
Accompanied by hilarious illustrations, kids will meet characters like Wojtek the orphaned bear cub who was enlisted in the Polish army, discover which famous explorer used his own poop to help him escape during a blizzard, and learn why hot cross buns were believed to keep away evil spirits. They will also unearth completely useless information, including which US city held a funeral for 30,000 pizzas.
(SPOILER: the information in this book isn't really useless. It will inspire, shock, and amuse the reader-and maybe spark an interest that will last a lifetime. It just won't help you with any exams!)
Reviews / Votes
This book is a perfect way to engage students who may otherwise be reluctant readers [...] beware, it is hard to put down once opened. A perfect addition to browsable nonfiction shelves that can be enjoyed by -readers of all ages. * School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW * A hefty helping of need-to-know information, from gross nature facts to how tardigrades, tortoises, and toilets function in space. The barrage of artfully selected, must-share revelations that follow will keep even casual browsers riveted. * Kirkus Reviews * There are plenty of brilliant, encyclopaedic, fact books on the market. The Big Book of Useless Knowledge is a great addition, expanding upon each fact, explaining it further in an accessible and entertaining style. * Armadillo Magazine *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Dimensions
Height: 255 mm
Width: 216 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-916745-19-3 (9781916745193)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Written by experts including historian and curator Dr Hattie Hearn, teacher and educational inclusivity expert Melody Triumph, and TikTok historian Scott Webber.
Kay Wolfersperger is a designer and illustrator based out of Savannah, GA. Her lively, colourful work often explores humour and positivity.
Liz Kay is a British illustrator whose books include The History of Everywhere and My Met Sticker Collection.
Lauren Radley is a freelance illustrator based in the UK. Her work as colourful, playful, and diverse. When she is not working, Lauren loves cooking, swimming in the sea, and going for walks with her family.
Kay Wolfersperger is a designer and illustrator based out of Savannah, GA. Her lively, colourful work often explores humour and positivity.
Liz Kay is a British illustrator whose books include The History of Everywhere and My Met Sticker Collection.
Lauren Radley is a freelance illustrator based in the UK. Her work as colourful, playful, and diverse. When she is not working, Lauren loves cooking, swimming in the sea, and going for walks with her family.