Books of Miscellany - Böcker

Revel in the fun and fascinating explanations behind Scottish traditions and folklore—from William Wallace, Rob Roy, and MacBeth to golf, kilts, and haggis.Here are the answers to questions you’ve always had—or never knew you had—and more as he covers all aspects of Scotland. From Scottish culture to the ancient history of the country to modern pastimes, this book has all that and more. Learn…Why the thistle is the floral emblem of Scotland,How Scotch whisky is made,Why the Scots celebrate HogmanayHow to play the bagpipesIf there is really a monster living in Loch NessWhat is GaelicWhat is the Stone of DestinyAnd much more.This delightful book is the perfect gift for anyone planning a visit to Scotland, with an interest in Scottish history, or a drop of Scottish blood. With 50 color illustrations.

With Scottish Miscellany, author Jonathan Green lets you revel in the fun and fascinating explanations behind Scottish traditions and folklore, giving you the answers to questions you’ve always had—or never knew you had—and more as he covers all aspects of Scotland. From Scottish culture to the ancient history of the country to modern pastimes, this book has all that and more. Learn why the thistle is the floral emblem of Scotland, how Scotch whisky is made, why the Scots celebrate Hogmanay, how to play the bagpipes, and much more. This delightful book is the perfect gift for anyone planning a visit to Scotland, with an interest in Scottish history, or a drop of Scottish blood.

Wouldn’t it be great to be a fly on the wall as the great writers took pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard)? While reading this work, you’ll be just that. Here are behind-the-book stories and facts about authors, publishing and everything literary that will entertain both casual and serious readers. Among the questions asked and answered: • When Did Literature Finally Get Sexy?• Is Coffee or Opium Better for Literary Creativity?• Why Are the Best Autobiographies so Embarrassing?• Why Do Some Detectives Use Their Minds and Others Their Fists? Who knew that bestseller lists and children’s books could be the source of intense controversy? Or that even the biggest writers had to scrape by, with odd jobs and inventions like the Mark Twain Self-Pasting Scrapbook? In Literary Miscellany, examine the trend of “fake memoirs,” with a list of who lied about what, and a rogues’ gallery of hoaxers dating back centuries. From epic poetry and Homer to pulp fiction and Harry Potter, Literary Miscellany is a breezy tour through the literature of today and yesterday, packed with enough interesting facts to entertain both the erudite professor and pleasure reader.

Why does a curveball curve? What is a “can of corn”? Why was Joe DiMaggio called the “Yankee Clipper”? “Who wrote “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”? How many times did Ty Cobb steal home? In Baseball Miscellany, the fascinating history and lore of our national pastime is finally revealed! For example, the reason a curveball curves is that its spin drags a layer of air across one surface of the ball faster than it does across the opposite surface. A “can of corn” is slang for an easy-to-catch fly ball, the term originating from a general store clerk reaching up and dropping a can from a high shelf. Sportswriters dubbed Joe DiMaggio the “Yankee Clipper” because he glided about the outfield with beauty and grace, like a clipper ship on the ocean. The lyrics to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” were written in 1908 by vaudeville star Jack Norworth, who, while riding the subway, was inspired by a sign that said “Baseball Today—Polo Grounds.” And the great Ty Cobb stole home a whopping fifty-four times—fifty more than the career leader in total stolen bases, Rickey Henderson. Packed with all manner of delightful surprises, beautiful illustrations and photographs, and delicious nuggets of information, Baseball Miscellany demystifies the origins and customs of America’s most celebrated game. From spring training through the World Series, you’ll be entertained with fun, little-known facts. Why do baseball players wear stirrup socks? Who invented the catcher’s mask? What Major League team passed up on signing eighteen-year-old Willie Mays in 1949? Settle into your favorite armchair, grab some peanuts or Cracker Jacks, and find out!

What causes a golf ball to hook or slice? What are the origins of the terms “bogey” and “birdie”? Why was Jack Nicklaus called “The Golden Bear”? “Why is the Masters champion presented with a green jacket? How many tournaments did Byron Nelson win in 1945?With Golf Miscellany, the fascinating history and lore of golf are finally revealed! For example, the reason a golf ball hooks or slices is that its spin drags a layer of air across one surface of the ball faster than it does across the opposite surface. “Bogey” refers to a score of one over par on a golf hole, the term originating from a British song from the late nineteenth century. Jack Nicklaus was dubbed The Golden Bear by his former agent, Mark McCormick, because he was “large, strong, and blonde.” Every Masters champion since 1949 has been presented with a green jacket, indicating their membership in the exclusive private club. And the great Byron Nelson won a whopping eighteen tournaments in 1945 including eleven in a row, both records which stand to this day.Packed with all manner of delightful surprises, beautiful illustrations and photos, and surprising nuggets of information, Golf Miscellany demystifies the origins and customs of one of the world’s most celebrated game. From the driving range through the U.S. Open, you’ll be entertained with fun, little-known facts. Why do golfers wear collared shirts? Who invented the modern putter? What golfer was famous for saying he dug his golf game out of the dirt? Settle into your favorite armchair, sip on an Arnold Palmer, and find out!