The Best of Annals of Improbable Research

Highlights for me include: "The Laser Cheese Raclette", "The Effects of Peanut Butter on the Earth's Rotation," and, of course, "Internet Barbie and the Time Caplet." There are too many to go into, but almost all are delightful. I guess the only minor critique would be of the couple of pages of limericks, which I find a bit trying, particularly when the subject matter is "Mastodon, Mother, and Babe."

Overall a wonderful, humorous look at scientists and science through a very different lens than most are used to.


NO SCIENCE, NO HUMOR   January 20, 2001
 10 out of 90 found this review helpful

I thought I was buying a book about funny things that have happened in the name of science, but that was not the case with this book. It's just a collection of not-so-funny articles that have appeared in the magazine "Annals of Improbable Research". They are not funny, and, you won't learn anything new about the scientific world. So, if you want to have a laugh while reading true stories about scientists, do not buy this book.


Very Funny, Enjoyable Humor   November 24, 2000
 23 out of 23 found this review helpful

As a scientist, I really enjoyed reading about the many funny quirks of scientific experimentation. Perhaps without these eccentricities, there would be no innovation! Great book!! If you enjoy "behind-the-bench" humor, I would like to suggest yet another book filled with hilarious situations and lots of candid, satirical wit on the life of scientists and their managers in high-tech R&D industry, from the point-of-view of the technical staff. This new, insightful American satire is entitled, "Management by Vice" by C.B. Don and is highly recommended as an entertaining, adjunct-read to the incredible "Annals of Improbable Research".


Endless Resources and Possibilities!   November 30, 1999
 40 out of 43 found this review helpful

This book came home with my spouse about a year ago to be placed in my "reading" pile. I never could figure out what he was snickering at until I was looking for an article for math class. What a find! As a student teacher I've used "Aerodynamics of Potato Chips" and "Taxonomy of Barney" for evaluation of scientific study and an introduction to scientific inquiry. Most recently a classmate used "Aerodynamics of Potato Chips" with a group of middle school students who were interested in the distance of the standard toss as defined by the article (much to the horror of the custodial staff). From this initial investigation, the class moved into a more formal study of aerodynamics. This book is science educators dream! Fun and interesting articles that refocus attention, demonstrating that anything can be done scientifically, if one puts their mind to it. Its also an insight into the humor of science as who better to make fun of science than those who do it?


a great account of how smart people should spend thier time   October 12, 1999
 8 out of 23 found this review helpful

everyone should read this book a journey into the way intelligent people let off steam