Brief Histories of Everyday Objects by Andy Warner would be a great read for anyone who’s curious about the history behind the everyday objects that we take for granted. Through amusing illustrations and intriguing stories, the author brings to light the complex histories behind items such as the ballpoint pen, coffee filter, and Slinky, making it an enjoyable and informative read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge in an entertaining way. The book encourages readers to see and appreciate the world through a different lens, making it a must-read for lovers of history and pop culture.

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In the tradition of A Cartoon History of the Universe and, most recent, Randall Munroe's What If? comes Brief Histories of Everyday Objects - an intrepid, graphic tour through the unusual stories behind the creation of some of the overlooked items that surround us in our daily lives. Chapters introduce readers to a cast of inventors whose ideas led to the ballpoint pen riots, cowboy wars, and really bad Victorian practical jokes. Structured around the different locations in our home and daily life - the kitchen, the bathroom, the office, and the grocery store. Award-nominated comic artist Andy Warner traces the often surprising and sometimes complex histories behind the items we often take for granted. Readers learn how: Velcro was invented by a Swiss engineer after he took his dog for a walk; the coffee filter was created by a German housewife; the Slinky was devised by a naval engineered while on board ship; and Monopoly was developed by a radical feminist as an anticapitalistic lesson. This is both a book of histories and a book about histories.
It explores how whims beget realities, lies become legends, trade routes Spring up, and empires rise and fall - all from the perspective of your toothbrush or toilet.

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