Title: The Know-It-All
Author: A.J. Jacobs
First published January 1, 2004
388 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780743250627 (ISBN10: 0743250621)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
In “The Know-It-All,” A.J. Jacobs takes on the impossible task of reading the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica cover to cover. Part memoir, part education, and wholly hilarious, Jacobs documents his journey to fill the gaps in his knowledge and become a true know-it-all.
His ambitious project not only disrupts his personal life, but also forces him to question the very meaning of intelligence. Along the way, Jacobs uncovers fascinating facts about every topic imaginable, from the bizarre to the profound.
With his signature self-deprecating wit and brutal honesty, “The Know-It-All” is a delightful and insightful exploration of one man’s quest for knowledge and wisdom.
Editoral Review
The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs is a non-fiction book that will make you laugh, cry, and want to learn more. Published in 2004, Jacobs’ work has since become a classic in the memoir genre, and for good reason.
The book is a witty and insightful account of the author’s quest to read the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica from cover to cover, and the journey he takes along the way.
Jacobs, a writer for Esquire magazine, is no stranger to the world of journalism and research. However, his decision to read the entirety of the Encyclopaedia Britannica is a daunting task that few would take on.
The book is structured as a series of short chapters, each one detailing a different topic that Jacobs learns about through his reading. From the history of the world’s religions to the science of the human brain, Jacobs covers a wide range of subjects with humor and humility.
One of the book’s strengths is Jacobs’ ability to weave his personal life and experiences into the narrative. He shares anecdotes about his family, friends, and coworkers that add depth to the story and make it more relatable.
Additionally, the book’s structure keeps the pace brisk and engaging, with each chapter offering a new insight or tidbit of information.
Jacobs’ writing style is lively and entertaining, with a knack for turning even the driest subjects into something engaging. He has a talent for finding the humor in any situation, and his self-deprecating humor is endearing.
However, at times, his style can be a bit too self-conscious, and the constant references to pop culture and current events may date the book for some readers.
The book’s themes center around the pursuit of knowledge and the role of information in our lives. Jacobs’ quest to read the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica is a metaphor for our never-ending thirst for knowledge and understanding.
Additionally, the book touches on the importance of curiosity, the joy of learning, and the value of intellectual pursuits.
Overall, The Know-It-All is an entertaining and insightful book that will appeal to anyone with an interest in learning and self-improvement. Jacobs’ wit and humor make the book an enjoyable read, and his insights into the value of knowledge are thought-provoking.
However, some readers may find the book’s pop culture references and self-conscious style a bit off-putting. Despite its flaws, The Know-It-All is a book that is well worth reading, and one that will leave you feeling more informed, more curious, and more inspired.
