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The Know-it-all by A. J. Jacobs

The Know-it-all

One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World

A. J. Jacobs

Simon & Schuster · Print & ebook · September 21, 2004

Chronicles the efforts of an NPR contributor to read the Encyclopedia Britannica from A to Z, sharing the humorous and unexpected mishaps that occurred as a result of the endeavor, from changed dynamics in his family relationships to his efforts to join Mensa and win a spot on Jeopardy!

Personal MemoirsHumorHumor Essays
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Who it’s for
A comic, self-aware chase after omniscience, with the charm of someone willing to make a fool.
Genres
Personal Memoirs, Humor, Humor Essays
Published
Simon & Schuster, September 21, 2004

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  1. In Shakespeare's ShadowMichael Blanding49% match
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  3. Big Dumb EyesNate Bargatze59% matchShares Humor Essays
  4. The Einstein EffectBenyamin Cohen56% match

For younger readers: Alphamaniacs, Noah Webster, A Quantum Life (adapted for Young Adults)

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About this book

Chronicles the efforts of an NPR contributor to read the Encyclopedia Britannica from A to Z, sharing the humorous and unexpected mishaps that occurred as a result of the endeavor, from changed dynamics in his family relationships to his efforts to join Mensa and win a spot on Jeopardy! By the author of Fractured Fairy Tales. 100,000 first printing. Read more

Curious Detour

A comic, self-aware chase after omniscience, with the charm of someone willing to make a fool.

Come here for

  • a self-aware, encyclopedic lark
  • the pleasure of watching curiosity overdo it

Expect

  • memoir with an impish, brainy voice
  • broad cultural references, not tidy wisdom

Where it sits

Humor65%
Personal Memoirs47%
Humor Essays41%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Biography & Memoir
  • Personal Memoirs
Authors
A. J. Jacobs
Publisher
Simon & Schuster
Published
September 21, 2004
Format
Print & ebook
Reading lane
Biography & Memoir