For thousands of years, humans have been trying to figure out the shape of the planet we’re standing on. Some thought it was a disc, some thought it was riding on turtles, and some thought you’d fall off the edge if you sailed too far. Meanwhile, a few geniuses with sticks and math were screaming, “It’s round, idiots!” Fast forward to today — we’ve got airplanes, satellites, astronauts livestreaming from orbit — and somehow people are still insisting the Earth is flat.

Have you ever stopped to wonder about the history behind the everyday items we use without a second thought? How did someone come up with the idea for a toothbrush or a CD? What about the origins of ballpoint pens or the zipper?

In this book, we will discover the stupid history behind these everyday items and more. From the accidental inventions to the bizarre origins, these stories are sure to entertain and enlighten. So, the next time you use lipstick or eat a pickle, take a moment to appreciate the silly and often ridiculous history behind it.