An Incomplete Education: 3,684 Things You Should Have Learned but Probably Didn't

Have you longed to be able to pick up a reference book for an instant, uncomplicated answer to that vexing question Do you shrink from discussing such topics as why all of Shakespeare's comedies are not "thigh slappers"? Or maybe you caught yourself referring to Evelyn Waugh as "she". An Incomplete Education is just the sort of book that provides a framework in twelve areas of knowledge including the Arts, Philosophy, Political Science, World History, Music and much more. The original edition was published in 1987; the third updated and expanded edition came out in 2006. It's a book of knowledge that is also very well paced and entertaining. For example, in the literature section, they identify "twelve fictional characters with whom you should have at least a nodding acquaintance"; in political science: "What you need to know before answering a personals ad in the International Herald Tribune". According to authors Judy Jones and William Wilson, "In a world of bits and bytes, of reruns and fast forwards, of information overloads , . . it feels good to be grounded." Clearly, this is not a COMPLETE Education. To wit: the title. After all, how would anyone define what might be a COMPLETE education. Rather, the book is a useful volume which helped me to organize my thinking. It is a companion that sits on my bookshelf "at the ready" when questions arise, (what do I really understand about the difference between Shiites and Sunnis) or when a Lexicon is needed to settle the question of whether continual or continuous is the appropriate word. It is a great addition to anyone's library, or a gift for someone who asks a lot of questions. I found myself savoring--and chuckling over-- each section.

NO matter the subject, the topic is explained in easy to understand terms and with humor. This book can be used as a reference and does not need to be read in a linear way. Just pick it up and go to the topic of interest.

A book of snippets about some important and some not so important things could be a jumbled mess more reflecting the authors and their tastes rather than a pocket full of miracles which is what this book is. I had my shoulder in a sling following a total replacement and needed something to read that didn't require me to remember plot elements, wasn't spiritually uplifting but yet rose above best seller list trash, memoirs of the unimportant and books aimed at self improvement; Given surgical help, I'd been as improved as, for that time, as I wished to be.Of the thousands of articles, many with illustrations, there's not one that could not be said to have value at some point in some way. Sure, you may never wander into a dinner party where the topic is the Dialogues of Plato but, should that happen, you'll be at least a leg up and not think that Plato is a Greek restaurant or a brand of yoghurt. Even subjects that have some depth are treated with a lighter touch, not dismissive or as parody, but they keep you reading just to see where it's going. Which is another great point; Nothing in here is to long that, looking at it, you're immediately persuaded that, even if it were started, it would never be finished. Think of it as the book to take to the beach when you want more than romance and triviality. It doesn't demand to be read but suggets it's a good idea. perfect gift for a teenager who thinks they know everything; this will persuade them otherwise. But, I think, its greatest gift to the reader is to inspire curiosity, to go on to find out what happened after the article ended.I have it by my bed and still, just before I turn out my light, open it randomly and always find something I didn't know but am glad to learn.

Interesting book with liberal arts education information. In a book this short, you expect the views to be pretty biased on what or who is most significant versus others. Reminded me of an effort to point to all "important" knowledge similar to Sophie's World in the philosophy realm - although Sophie's World is vastly more entertaining and well written. The elitist snob factor in the book is unmistakable - starting with the introduction. Basically, it is a decent reference book to reference when you want to look at a subject in order to narrow down the mass of unranked info you would get with an internet search.

I've been buying this book for myself and as gifts ever since the first edition. It's the answer to a browser's prayer, offering a wealth of facts and figures and connections and quotes and analyses, all leavened with appropriately funny asides and observations. The authors, together with some guest experts, have boiled down a host of disciplines into a manageable compendium, getting to the essence of everything using mostly layman's terms, and in general providing a marvelous intellectual browser's paradise.Unlike typical miscellanies, this book is organized into useful topical areas, with complete essays in each topic that provide depth and breadth of coverage ample to satisfy the curious mind without overdosing the reader with arcana.The book gives you more useful fact and understanding in a single page than the popular but superficial TV show "60 Minutes" offers in the 43 minutes remaining after commercials, with none of the pomposity and inaccuracy and far more pleasure to the reader. It's also a great gift for shut-ins: the topical essays are short enough to hold the interest and deep enough to pique curiosity.We keep a copy in every bathroom and bedroom of my house, for us and for company. The guest room reading lights have been staying on a lot longer lately.Instructions are simple: (1) Open to any page at random, then (2) read a page or two and learn something you didn't know while being tickled by well-turned phrases and honest appraisals of the landscape of our common culture. Then (3) at some point, read the entire book from start to finish, as long as it takes. Then (4) repeat (1) through (3). Then buy the next edition when it comes out, to see the developments in the political world since the last edition.It's a gem!

reads like an instruction, does not have much depth at all, no pictures, almost a list of facts.

I admit I came across this book while googling "gifts for guys" - so I won't complain that it's written for a 25 year old male audience - I will just point it out. Hard to believe a woman is the main author of this book - maybe she got her teenage son to jazz it up after she was finished. E.g. after defining several german words commonly used in English, the book says "the German's blew their wad on the nouns, so there are only a few adjectives..." That kind of thing is peppered throughout.What I will complain about though is that I can't trust the facts . Being Canadian, I flipped with interest to the section on Canadian politics. It says we have a party called the Progressive Democrats, also referred to as Red Tories. (for non-Canadians reading this: this is not accurate, the party was (the book is a few years old) called the Progressive Conservatives, and red tories are members of this centre-right party who lean more towards the left. Small detail but if they couldn't fact check Canada - when we speak the same language and live right next door - then how can I believe the facts in the section on Cambodia?If there was a more credible book that does the same thing as this one I would buy it instead, but I don't know that such a book exists. This one is fun to read if you can get past the guy talk.

It has been a good book for a quick snapshot of key historical events. Great Read.

Fantastic for filling in holes in your education...Have read and re-read it many times...4th time I've bought this and given to friends..

Be aware the copyright on this book is 2006. This means it is missing the last 10 years of science, politics, art, war, climate change etc etc. It's an ok book but I would not have ordered if I knew it was this old.