Which came first,sliced bread or the toaster? When did most people begin wearingdeodorant? Who invented the electric blanket? Catherine O'Reillytackles questions such as these with a keen curiosity and well-honedwriting skills. Her ability to turn any normal home into a jungle ofhistory, invention, and technological wonder is a treat. For fans of<em>Schott's Original Miscellany</em> and <em>The Book of Useless Information</em>, O'Reilly's <em>Did Thomas Crapper Really Invent the Toilet?</em>is another smart and quirky look at miscellaneous items. Learn the realhistories of the blender, the fire extinguisher, the cheese grater, theclock radio, deodorant, Post-its, fabric softener, and, of course, thetoilet. These are the unknown stories of everyday items that we takefor granted.