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The United States of Absurdity

By: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, Patton Oswalt - foreword
Narrated by: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds
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Publisher's summary

The creators of the podcast The Dollop present profiles of the weird, outrageous, NSFW, and downright absurd tales from American history that you weren't taught in school.

The United States of Absurdity presents short, informative, and hilarious stories of the most outlandish (but true) people, events, and more from United States history. Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds cover the weird stories you didn't learn in history class, such as 10-Cent Beer Night, the Jackson Cheese, and the Kentucky Meat Shower.

©2017 Dave Anthony (P)2017 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"If my history teachers in high school had been half as smart and one-tenth as entertaining as Dave and Gareth, I could probably tell you who fought in the Spanish-American War today." (Josh Olson, Oscar-nominated screenwriter for A History of Violence)
"This book, just like The Dollop, will teach you things you'll wish you had learned in history class. I dare you not to be equal parts fascinated, horrified, and in stitches." (Al Madrigal, actor and comedian, The Daily Show)
"Dave and Gareth have created an amazing record of historical eccentricities which, while hysterically informative, has thus far only been available for your ears. This book will take The Dollop into the uncharted territory of your eyes. And hopefully, if my many requests are heeded - there will be a scented version." (Chris Hardwick, host of @midnight and Talking Dead)

What listeners say about The United States of Absurdity

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Spectacular!

So happy I bought the hardback book AND the Audible version! I got to have Dave and Gareth (not Gary) narrate it to me. The only bad thing about this is that I'm finished with it. Time to re-listen/reread!

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9 people found this helpful

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Great collection of absurd stories from American history

If you know the podcast, The Dollop, you probably have heard these stories before, but this format gives you a new angle and a more condensed version of the stories. So I would recommend IT to listeners of the podcast. IT also is a great introdution so if you like the book you really should check out the podcast there are 260 eps waiting for you.

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Slightly inaccurate but humorous

Loved it. Well read and funny! I loved it. I think it’s slightly inaccurate but still enjoyed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant version of a brilliant podcast

Love it - so damn funny, interesting and educational I’m sure you’ll love it too! Dave Anthony & Gareth Reynolds are the best.

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5 star amazing quick listen

This is a hilarious, informative, creative, and irreverent book and is a great read for teenagers.

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2 people found this helpful

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I love history facts

This book has crazy history facts. I enjoyed it and it made me laugh. Listen to it.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Just a taste

This book was a great intro to their podcast, The Dollop. My understanding is that all of the vignettes talked about in the book are explored in greater detail in their podcast. It's good, but if you're already a fan you can skip this book.

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  • Overall
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Funny and informative

Great story delivery. Unexpected tales from history that in retrospect should be known. Surprisingly entertaining

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We sign cars...

Loved it, stories I was familiar with from the podcast and others I wasn't. A perfect combination.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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disappointed compared to the dollop

i had such high hopes for this book as a big fan of the dollop podcast. however i was disappointed as there just wasnt the detail and humour that makes the stories so great because theyve been so condensed for the book. if i hadnt already been a fan of the podcast and knew half of the stories already i probably would have enjoyed it more as i wouldnt know the things they were missing out of it.

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