- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (16 Oct 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0340976489
- ISBN-13: 978-0340976487
- Product Dimensions: 18 x 2.6 x 19.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 548,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
There is a world shrouded in secrecy that exists beyond the realms of conventional understanding. A world of coded languages, unsubstantiated rumour, incomprehensible handshakes, hidden meanings and red herrings that reveals itself only to the initiated, to the insiders, and for most of us remains tantalisingly out of reach. As you read this, it surrounds you, as you look up, it confronts you, as you wonder how you've missed it, you will continue to... But no longer. Tic-Tac, Teddy Bears and Teardrop Tattoos hands us the keys to understanding even the darkest corner of those closed-off, clandestine worlds. Here, you will learn how to go undetected within a Masonic lodge, why many Italians have an irrational fear of the number 17, and what a trucker means when he talks about his 'running bobtail burning the hammer lane'. Discover the wonder of the everyday: did you know that the red and white pole outside the barbers refers to the trade's gory history of bloodletting, or that when London Underground staff ask for 'Inspector Sands' over the tannoy, they're actually reporting a fire, or that a pub named the Royal Oak has its origins back in a Civil War battle. We all need a guiding light to illuminate life's darkened corners and obscure pathways - this book is just that beacon.
About the Author
Justin Scroggie is the author of popular non-fiction books for children and adults. He is also a successful television producer, having mastered hit TV shows The Crystal Maze, Treasure Hunt, Starfinder, Shock Treatment and Codex. He lives in London with his wife Felicity, and daughter Nat.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is packed full of information about everyday things - I bought it as a present for my thirtysomething brother - he was unable to put it down! I now want him in my quiz team!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
A quirky little gem of a book about signs & symbols: At times delighful & almost always engaging.
2 Feb 2009
Format:Hardcover
This is an enjoyable book for those who wish to pry further into the meaning of everyday and many not so commonplace signs and symbols of the world and our history. Here you will find an extraordinarily diverse range of explanations for an even greater diversity of symbols; such as those chalked into pavements by wandering hobos; or, the secret symbols by which swingers recognise each other. It's simply a mind boggling assortment; and Scroggie (the book's author) misses very few chances to shine with his knowledge (e.g., in his terminology for poker hands he misses the opportunity to call a pair of two's "pocket ducks".)
To whet your appetite: why does the number '4' never appear in any Nokia handset number, in any Asian country? Is it for a similar reason that certain movies such as "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" do not have a question mark in their title? What might the acronym 'ITALY' mean on an envelope? When did the trend for white wedding dresses start?
If I had any criticism of the book it would firstly be that sources should really be cited for Scroggie's explanations; and secondly, some of his explanations leave one hanging - wanting to know a lot more background explanation as to why something came to signify something - as opposed to something else. If such criticism were met, I feel that this would be a 5/5 book; yet, as it stands, it still is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
To whet your appetite: why does the number '4' never appear in any Nokia handset number, in any Asian country? Is it for a similar reason that certain movies such as "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" do not have a question mark in their title? What might the acronym 'ITALY' mean on an envelope? When did the trend for white wedding dresses start?
If I had any criticism of the book it would firstly be that sources should really be cited for Scroggie's explanations; and secondly, some of his explanations leave one hanging - wanting to know a lot more background explanation as to why something came to signify something - as opposed to something else. If such criticism were met, I feel that this would be a 5/5 book; yet, as it stands, it still is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book for my other half because he saw it advertised some where and fancied it. so I thought i'd buy it for him for Christmas, it arrived and i was about to wrap it but thought I should just flick through and see what its like. I sat there and read the lot. It was very interesting and mind blowing at times some things i just had no idea about. I did tell my other half on boxing day his book was used :)
Good book.
Good book.
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