The Mental Floss History of the World

An Irreverent Romp Through Civilization's Best Bits

By: Steve Wiegand, Erik Sass

Narrated by: Johny Heller

Length: 15 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

About 60,000 years ago, the first Homo sapiens were just beginning their move across the grasslands and up the ladder of civilization. Everything since then, as they say, is history. Just in case you were sleeping in class that day, the geniuses at mental_floss magazine have put together a hilarious (and historically accurate) primer on everything you need to know---and that means the good stuff.

Twelve core chapters of world history tackle everything from civilization's baby steps in the Fertile Crescent to the Not-Really-That-Dark-Unless-You-Lived-in-Europe Ages to A World United by Terror and TV. From the Golden Haemorhoids of the Philistines (punishment from above) to the likely namesake of the cartoon elephant Babar (a Mongol prince) to the most pressing language translation issues facing the menus of today ("carp" vs. "crap"), all of history's most interesting bits have finally been handpicked and roasted to perfection.

©2008 Mental Floss LLC (P)2008 Tantor

Good, but not good enough

I found the format somewhat confusing, seeming to jump from topic to topic, then revisiting a topic mentioned earlier, etc. That might not be a problem with the print version, but when read from front to back, it is (for me, at least).

The reader is also somewhat problematic. He has plenty of 'melody' to his voice, but a great many idiosyncratic pronunciations, which I find jarring. For instance, 'paraBOla' rather than the usual 'paRAbola'. Also, there are several malapropisms, which could be the fault of the authors, or a misreading by the reader. For instance, 'neuron' when it should be 'neutron' or 'climactic' when it should be 'climatic'. Still, it is worth listening to just for fun.

This was just great!

Some people are very critical and demanding of their entertainment. Perhaps I am not, or maybe this book really was great!

I love the delivery of the narrator and his sarcasm.

Who knows how accurate the historical estimations are? All I know is that it is more than I know, or had the time to research.

It was purely for mental enjoyment and entertainment. If it was all true, then I am smarter then when I first pushed play. If not, then my friends at parties now think I am an idiot for all of the tid-bits I have spewed! Either way, I'm happy with the audiobook!

World History: A Saga in Satire

I really enjoyed it. World history is a weighty and mostly serious subject made sardonic. I liked it! A sort-of satirical flyby through the ages. A dry witted primer on world history, highlighting the events, individuals, societies and civilizations of particular interest and of perhaps greatest impact. The sarcastic take on much of human endeavor was very funny. I am fairly easily amused and found myself frequently laughing out loud. I enjoyed and appreciated the narrator’s take. He did well in his delivery and I felt that he conveyed the authors wit quite nicely. A well told saga in satire!

Perfect for a long drive or daily commute

A very enjoyable walk through history with a mixture of humor. Very well narrated and overall enjoyable experience

You will reread this one over and over

Told with so much spunk and wit, so much to grasp as the info flies by. I keep it open just in case I am in between stories.

Good content, bad sorting

The narration and content are good, but I feel like each chapter is not connected.

Wow, that was funny and interesting.

I listened to this book several times because it was so interesting and amusing. Each time I learned something new that I didn’t hear or realize previously. I highly suggest this book for those who like to learn about parts of History that you wouldn’t read in traditional books.

Would love to hear a version 5 times longer!

Really good and to the point could spend a little more time in the middle ages but would love if they did a crazy in depth version but still a fun listen.

Mental floss is the best useless wonderful book of

it is the best trivia books., and its the best. It will knock your uneducated socks off!!!!

Loaded with information for trivia enthusiasts

What did you like best about The Mental Floss History of the World? What did you like least?

It was interesting and offered a humorous view of many historical events.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would not have changed the story, but it was challenging to listen to. It seems to me this is more of a book that is meant to be read, especially with all the facts and figures.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Johny Heller?

Yes

Was The Mental Floss History of the World worth the listening time?

It was enjoyable and worth the time, but would have been better enjoyed in a print format.