Whether you're a history buff, science student, lover of popular culture or a natural born detective, "The Origin of Everyday Things" is the ultimate guide to help curious minds unravel and unwind. A delicious compendium of trivia behind the origins of over 300 modern phenomena, objects, sayings stories and superstitions that most people take for granted, it's also a great way to enhance your powers of observation, hone your forensic antenna and last but least, impress your friends. Guaranteed to absorb, amuse and delight, and complete with humorous illustrations and easy-to-navigate chapters, eye-opening explanations and amazing anecdotes include: the birth and brilliance of the brown paper bag; the 4,000-year history of toothpaste - and its torrid past; the staying power behind the world's most popular puzzles from Rubik's Cube to Sudoku to the humble crossword; why we have nature to thank for Velcro, Valium and the Guggenheim; why on Earth we throw shoes at a newly-wed bride! Why Heinz has the Romans to thank for its saucy success; and why we get the blues and not the reds.