mental floss presents Instant Knowledge (Collins Gem) (Collins Gem) 
For the first time in a Gem format, the editors of mental_floss magazine present Instant Knowledge, an A to Z guide to all the facts, trivia, and intellectual tidbits you need to feel smart again.
Have you ever felt maddeningly stumped when others are discussing Dante's Inferno? Or felt a familiar sinking feeling when that cutie asks what you think about the origins of the cashew nut? Or perhaps you've balked while attempting an impromptu oratory on quantum physics? If so, then this is the book for you. Instant Knowledge is a quirky compendium of trivia and factoids that spans the gamut of intellectual conversation and beyond. From theories of relativity to the Geneva Convention, you'll be able to wax poetic, philosophic -- whatever you want! -- on hundreds of topics.
It's super easy to use: just add conversation and watch the Instant Knowledge grow. And in this handy Gem format, you have a veritable Ace up your sleeve when attending cocktail parties, gallery openings, or dinner with the boss!
Reviews
I believe it is intended to be carried with you in your pocket or glove box or the locket around your neck so you'll have a chance to pick out a few choice topics of conversation before you enter a party or whatever.
It certainly is not intended as bathroom reading. For one thing, the pages are much too small for emergency TP use.
Not that I am complaining, mind you. This is a gem of a book with over 200 interesting bits of trivia listed more or less alphabetically from "The Amish" to "Zero". (This is not to imply that the title of each page has much to do with the text, but who cares - the book is fun.)
Each page has its stated "Fact" and a follow-up paragraph to expound on the subject.
Also, there are a number of pages randomly strewn through the book with three "Instant Personalities" each - little tidbits of info about famous people. (Although, Thomas Jefferson got his own page, as did Alfred Hitchcock.)
And unlike another trivia book I purchased recently (Bla Bla), the information here is actually correct. Will and Mangesh research their topics, not just publish un-provable "facts" gathered from the Internet. Use the contents with confidence.