The first and best compendium of facts weirder than fiction, of intriguing information and must-talk-about trivia has spawned many imitators - but none as addictive or successful. For nearly three decades the editors researched curious facts, unusual statistics and the incredible stories behind them. The most entertaining and informative of these have been brought together in this edition.

From the indefatigable Wallace family, authors of "The Book of Lists" and The People's Almanac series came 1981's "The Intimate Sex Lives of Famous People." This compelling bestseller--with its 200 revealing profiles and 300 rare photos--just got better with a dozen new entries.

Accurately details the history of laughing gas through to modern times (including historical ramblings & jest), and delves into the medical side of things -- in a light-hearted manner. Finally, while it never promotes nor condones the use of this fascinating substance and clearly highlights the serious dangers of its consumption, Laughing Gas suggests scientifically based means of ameliorating -- preventing -- the known negative possible effects of its consumption. -- Shedlin & Wallechinsky