top of page

The Book of Fun: An Illustrated History of Having a Good Time 

Hardcover – June 14 2022

by Russ Frushtick

 

Dive into this vibrantly illustrated history of everything humans have invented to entertain ourselves, from Chess and Nintendo to Drag Queen Story Hour and Burning Man.

In The Book of Fun, Polygon co-founder Russ Frushtick divulges the hidden backstories and fascinating facts about your favorite video games, theme parks, festivals, sports, and more. With 80+ digestible, entertaining entries, it's not just fodder for your next dinner party -- you might also discover your next great pastime, be it jousting, stunt acting, cheese rolling, or Swedish Bunny Hopping.

For fans of pop-history, pop-science, and the many things mankind has invented to waste time, The Book of Fun explores:

  • Board Games: The world's oldest tabletop games (Senet, Go, Chess) and its most enduringly popular (Monopoly, Dungeons & Dragons, Settlers of Catan)
  • Toys: The history of your favorite playthings, like Barbie, Beanie Babies, Slinky, Furby, and LEGO
  • Video Games: The console wars of the '90s, the birth of game streaming, and unexpected Pokémon Go consequences
  • Theme Parks: Stories behind Coney Island's Cyclone, Disneyland's opening-day woes, and the bizarre parks built in a nuclear power plant and a Soviet bunker
  • Sports: The most fascinating athletic endeavors across the globe, from gladiatorial battles to Lucha Libre, pumpkin boat racing, and sumo wrestling
  • Stunts: Harry Houdini, Evel Knievel, Jackie Chan, and the incredible stunt artists you may not know
  • Festivals: From Carnival celebrations around the world to the stories of Woodstock, Burning Man, and a Spanish baby-jumping festival
  • Dressing Up: The origins of jesters, Halloween, cosplay, drag queen style, and more
  • Roadside Attractions: Wacky spectacles like the 65-foot-tall Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey, the Mystery Hole in West Virginia, and the Cabazon Dinosaurs in California

The Book of Fun: An Illustrated History of Having a Good Time

SKU: 9780762480487HBG
C$31.00Price

    Related Books

    Build Your Own Tiny House / Cabin Retreat: MareGold Centre's Workshop for Beginners in Nova Scotia

    I

    Ready to Build Your Dream Cabin? Let Us Guide You Every Step of the Way!

    Embark on your cabin-building journey with confidence through our private consultations and expert instruction. Whether you have an existing project or are starting from scratch, we are here to help you achieve your vision.

    What We Offer:

    • Personalized Consultations: Tailored guidance to align with your unique project ideas or help you initiate new ones.

    • Step-by-Step Instruction: We break down the entire process, making it straightforward and manageable.

    • Exclusive Cabin Tours: Gain inspiration and practical insights by touring existing cabins. Learn from what works and avoid common mistakes through our hands-on experience.

    • Overnight Stays: Experience the comfort and functionality of our cabins firsthand. Spend a night and discover the space that’s perfect for your build.

    Why Choose Us?

    • Save Time: Efficient and effective planning to streamline your project.

    • Build Confidence: Acquire the skills and knowledge to tackle your build with assurance.

    • Eliminate Uncertainty: No more wondering where to start. We provide clear direction and support.

    Get Started Today!

    Contact us to book your private tour, overnight stay, and beginner cabin building experience. Let’s turn your cabin dream into reality.  info@maregold.com. www.maregold.com

    bottom of page