The Know-It-All Book Summary
In 'The Know-It-All,' A. J. Jacobs embarks on an ambitious quest to read the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica, transforming his life into an enlightening journey of knowledge and self-discovery. With humor and wit, he explores the quirks of trivia while confronting the challenges of human ignorance. As he navigates through fascinating facts, he reveals the absurdity of what we think we know. This memoir examines the intersection of intelligence and identity, leaving readers questioning the value of expertise. Will Jacobs emerge as the ultimate know-it-all, or will the pursuit of knowledge reveal more questions than answers?
By A. J. Jacobs
Published: 2005
"Knowing everything is a myth, but the pursuit of knowledge is the adventure of a lifetime."
Start Listening to Book Summary
Book Review of The Know-It-All
Chronicles the efforts of an NPR contributor to read the "Encyclopedia Britannica" from A to Z, sharing the humorous mishaps that occurred as a result of the endeavor, from changed family relationships to his efforts to join Mensa.
Book Overview of The Know-It-All
About the Book Author
A. J. Jacobs
A. J. Jacobs is a best-selling author known for his immersive and often humorous exploration of life through unique experiments and lifestyle changes. His notable works include 'The Know-It-All,' in which he read the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica, and 'The Year of Living Biblically,' where he followed the Bible's teachings as closely as possible for a year. Jacobs' writing is characterized by a blend of wit, introspection, and a quest for knowledge, making complex topics approachable and engaging for a wide audience. He is also a contributor to various publications including The New York Times and NPR, where he shares insights on his experiences and observations.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- A. J. Jacobs
- Published
- October 2005
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- ISBN
- 0743250621
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 400
- Genres
- Social CommentaryMemoirsNon-FictionPersonal Growth
Purchase Options
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“Knowing everything is a myth, but the pursuit of knowledge is the adventure of a lifetime.”
The Know-It-All
By A. J. Jacobs
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