On the Tip of My Tongue : Questions, Facts, Curiosities, and Games of a Quizzical Nature (Hardcover)

In this wonderful collection of miscellany and minutia , trivia-phile David Gentle brings together the most tantalizing brain-twisting questions that-- honestly, no really-- are just on the tip of your tongue. Perfect for families, friends, rivals - or even to read on your own, On the Tip of My Tongue asks readers to recall as many items as possible from a list, and to solve the hidden links between groups of questions. In between quizzes, Gentle also provides readers with fascinating anecdotes, scholarly commentary and curiously fun facts about each entry.

For instance:
1.) The first use of the term dictator was to describe a temporary executive of the Roman Republic, invested with absolute power during emergencies;
2.) George Orwell's real name is Eric Arthur Blair;

3.) "Stan" is the Persian word for "country;"

4.) The most popular currency in the world is the U.S. dollar, with an esitmated $700 billion in circulation;

5.) The concept of Seven Deadly Sins is not mentioned in the bible; Pope Gregory the Great came up with the idea in the sixth century AD.

As enlightening as it is entertaining, On the Tip of My Tongue is the perfect holiday gift for the discerning intellects in your life.