Scan barcode
lurdesabruscato's review against another edition
5.0
Funny and entertaining, this book offers up research on all those indelicate tidbits of history: What happened to Lincoln's bloody shirt collar? Were the Romans really as debased as history says? What's the deal with Hitler's intestinal issues? And are all those jokes about Napoleon's, ahem, nether region, true? Filled with 2-3 page chapters, it's a perfect bathroom read (pun intended).
mehitabels's review against another edition
3.0
Most likely this book was put together for toilet readers, quick, funny and odd entries about the private lives and, ahem, bits of famous people. Interesting and certainly great trivia information, but nothing to write home about.
Well, except maybe that bit about the first "talkie" porn . . .
Well, except maybe that bit about the first "talkie" porn . . .
xxstefaniereadsxx's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
This book is written by an American collector, who heard the story of Napoleon's stolen "artifact". He thought it was interesting and kind of funny, and began to wonder what other oddities were out there from other historical figures and events. This book is about his quest to uncover other interesting items and stories. I bought this book at a used book store, and it was a good enough book for the price. I thought there were parts of it that were fairly humorous, and I enjoyed it. I am glad to have it completed and off my shelf before my move.
littlealk7's review against another edition
3.0
This book was interesting enough to merit 3 stars, but it's unlikely one that I'll return to, to read in full, at some point in the future, and I'm not even sure I'll keep it on my bookshelf (it was a present to me, from my husband, who chose it from a long list of options).
I found it to be excellent "bathroom reading." You know what I mean. It's the kind of book that has short and semi-interesting chapters that are perfect for a quick (or longer) trip to the restroom.
The thing is, I want to give it more stars! It strikes me as well-researched, and many of the stories really are fascinating (or downright disturbing). I wish it weren't so euro-centric.
Finally, I'm not sure that I would want to keep it in the house bc if my kids are anything like I was, I read everything available to me, often without my parents consent! This is probably fine for high school kids but I don't want to explain the topics herein in any kind of detail to anyone younger than 12 Years old.
I found it to be excellent "bathroom reading." You know what I mean. It's the kind of book that has short and semi-interesting chapters that are perfect for a quick (or longer) trip to the restroom.
The thing is, I want to give it more stars! It strikes me as well-researched, and many of the stories really are fascinating (or downright disturbing). I wish it weren't so euro-centric.
Finally, I'm not sure that I would want to keep it in the house bc if my kids are anything like I was, I read everything available to me, often without my parents consent! This is probably fine for high school kids but I don't want to explain the topics herein in any kind of detail to anyone younger than 12 Years old.
faintingviolet's review against another edition
2.0
A perfectly companionable book written in bite-sized chapters about all the things you aren't supposed to talk about.
http://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/napoleons-privates-cbr6-7/
http://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/napoleons-privates-cbr6-7/
noahd's review against another edition
4.0
Amusing book, the extra sources were a good addition. Well structured, though sometimes the writing is a bit boring. Overall though I learnt a lot of hilarious facts, would recommend!
innae's review against another edition
3.0
Borrowed from Gilly
An entertaining collection of bits and pieces from history. Debunking some things (no..Catherine the Great didn't do something with a horse), Hinting at others (was Lincoln gay?). I am glad I read this book, but also glad I didn't purchase it.
An entertaining collection of bits and pieces from history. Debunking some things (no..Catherine the Great didn't do something with a horse), Hinting at others (was Lincoln gay?). I am glad I read this book, but also glad I didn't purchase it.