The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge: A Desk Reference for the Curious Mind

Full of interesting facts

I’ve only spot read some of this book since there are 1320 pages including indices, so I can only rate my first impression. But, WOW, what a treasure trove of information! It covers so many areas that it is practically mind-boggling. I checked out some areas I knew well and sure enough, there was information I didn’t know about them. I am truly impressed. If you enjoy learning this book will be a real treat. Add to what you already think you know or go off into a new area. Either way, you’ll enjoy this mighty tome! Top marks!

In the days of search engines, it is a delight to find a book that has tons of the kind of information you once knew but can't recall. Though probably not designed this way, I found it a delight to read it as a novel. I would look up a concept, find it, get my answer, then continue reading that section and a few pages forward of where I started. It will be a gift for those who just don't want to "search" for every answer, but who still enjoys the joy of reading.

If you are a collector of interesting facts, histories and biographies and love thumbing through the Almanac, the CIA Country book and the like you will love this book. Imagine yourself a journalist starting to write an article on something you know little about - say arcane baseball terms like a Texas Leaguer this book is where you start. And end.

This sucker is BIG! It's a nice, big book, and the quality of it is very nice. I have some really cook book ends and was in the market for reference books to use with it, and it looks fantastic on my desk in my office. As far as the subjects covered, what doesn't it cover? I plan on learning a lot, and I'm very happy I decided to get this. I don't see how someone could be disappointed with it, unless they were to receive a damaged copy.

I just can't get enough of this book! I have been reading this daily, for a couple of weeks and I can't believe the amount of information I was able to grasp. Sure, all the information is available on the web but I was looking for a book that would give a 'big picture' or a 'bird's eye- view' of important events and topics and this book fit the bill perfectly. I use it as a starting point along with The New York Times Presents Smarter by Sunday: 52 Weekends of Essential Knowledge for the Curious Mind . I then proceed to read about the same topic on Wikipedia or an encyclopedia like Encarta/Britannica. You could even try doing these side by side. My pursuit of knowledge has begun! And, I am loving it! Cheers!

Recommend this book, full of all kinds of topics great conversation piece or if you are a life learner wanting to expand your current knowledge base, this book is a must have

The only complaint I had was that the pages of the book were still together like they weren't pulled apart when the book was made.

A good way to irritate and intrigue (in equal measures!) your work colleagues. I keep it at work for when our connection to Google is too slow.