Description
Book SynopsisWho had birds called Death, Wigs and Spinach? How do you spell the noise of a door slamming? Whose working title was
The Chronic Argonauts?
Henry Eliot - author, editor and insatiable bookworm - has ransacked the libraries and archives of world literature, compiling hundreds of bookish lists. This eclectic gallimaufry showcases his favourites: we witness the tragic ends of the Ancient Greek tragedians, learn the name of George Orwell''s pet cockerel and rummage through Joan Didion''s travelling bag; we consider the history of literary fart jokes, orbit the Shakespearean moons of Uranus and meet several pigs with wings. From the sublime to the ridiculous - and everything in between - Eliot''s lists, recommendations and nuggets of trivia will delight, inspire and surprise anyone who loves reading.
Beautifully presented with supplementary maps and illustrations,
Henry Eliot''s Book of Bookish Lists is the essential gift for book-lovers.
Trade ReviewI loved this so much. Lists for bookish folk, filled with things I had not known or dreamed -- Neil Gaiman
Totally enthralling... The perfect bedside book -- Jilly Cooper
An eccentric idea beautifully executed -- Louis de Bernières
If there was a list of books about lists,
Eliot's Book of Bookish Lists would be top -- Philip Pullman
An absolute delight - Borges meets Buzzfeed -- Tom Holland
A gorgeous confection . . . How do I love this book? Let me list the ways . . . -- Chris Riddell
Brimful of piquant and scrumptious surprises -- John Lloyd
Hours of innocent snacking -- Iain Sinclair
Very entertaining and sprightly -- Ian McKellen
Thoroughly enjoyable... As amusing as it is informing -- Michael Portillo
Buried deep in the etymology of the word 'list' is the notion of pleasure. Mr Eliot's marvellous vade mecum reminds us why -- John Mitchinson
I loved Eliot's book for its wit, learning, eccentricity and unrepentant bookishness -- Alan Taylor
A magnificent labyrinth of literary trivia to get lost in . . . fun and fascinating things on every page -- Edward Brooke-Hitching
A trove of treasures from start to finish -- Dennis Duncan
Deliciously idiosyncratic
-- Rachel Cooke * Observer *
Reading this book is like going on a literary Grand Tour . . . Essential for the pub quiz * Country Life *
Eliot's books have been my equivalent of big game almanacs. This book is half a delight and half a gauntlet -- Stuart Kelly * Scotsman *
The ultimate book for lovers of lists and literature . . . surprising, inspiring and amusing -- Denise O'Donoghue * Irish Examiner *
