Robert Hughes has trained his critical eye on many major subjects, from the city of Barcelona to the history of his native Australia. Now he turns that eye inward, onto himself and the world that formed him. Hughes analyzes his experiences the way he might examine a Van Gogh or a Picasso. From his relationship with his stern and distant father to his Catholic upbringing and school years; and from his development as an artist, writer, and critic to his growing appreciation of art and his exhilaration at leaving Australia to discover a new life, Hughes’ memoir is an extraordinary feat of exploration and celebration.

Crammed with 1,001 tidbits of information, this trivia book covers such categories as food and drink, health, religion, business, and more.

Discover the long-kept secrets of literature's leading lady You've read Emma. You own Pride and Prejudice. You love Sense and Sensibility. But do you know all there is to know about Jane Austen? Find answers to such questions as: Who was the Irishman who stole her heart? Why was their affair doomed? Which Austen heroine most resembled Jane? Who were the real Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy? Why did Jane never marry? These fascinating secrets and much more are revealed in 101 Things You Didn't Know about Jane Austen. Romantic. Tragic. Mysterious. And you thought Austen's heroines led intriguing lives.

How much do you know about . . . Obesity Sleep Meteors Aliens Bees Sperm banks Sex in space Duct tape Germs Airport security Death Ancient weapons Rats The Internet Birth Weather Milk Mosquitoes Your body Space disasters DISCOVER'S 20 Things You Didn't Know About Everything is the first book written by the editors of the award-winning DISCOVER magazine. Based on DISCOVER'S most eagerly awaited monthly column, "20 Things You Didn't Know About," this original book looks at many popular—and sometimes unexpected—topics in science and technology, and reveals quirky, intriguing, and little-known facts. Whether you're just curious or think you already know everything, this book is guaranteed to expand your mind.

“Where else does math become a romp, full of entertaining tricks and turns?”—Bryce Christensen, Booklist Have you ever considered why you always get stuck in the longest line? Why two’s company but three’s a crowd? Or why there are six degrees of separation instead of seven? In this hugely informative and endlessly entertaining book, John D. Barrow takes the most baffling of everyday phenomena and—with simple math, lucid explanations, and illustrations—explains why they work the way they do. His witty, crystal-clear answers shed light on the dark and shadowy corners of the physical world we all think we understand so well.

Packed with over 500 fascinating facts, tricks and teasers, this book is the perfect companion for curious young minds.