Ripley's Believe It or Not!: Book of Chance

Gerry Meek was a librarian in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Compiled by the staff of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!,” this book presents the reader with a rich sampling of many of the fascinating and unusual items that have appeared over the years in the popular, syndicated column of the same name. Intended to entertain, to amuse, and to amaze its audience, the volume succeeds on all counts and provides an interesting collection of little-known facts, chance occurrences, unusual happenings and remarkable twists of fate — all incredible and all verified as true. For example, have you ever wondered how L. Frank Baum, the author of the children’s classic, the Wizard of Oz, stumbled upon the name Oz? It was taken from the letters that appeared on his bottom file drawer, O-Z. However, perhaps my favorite story in the collection is the one about the English millionaire who loved a good cigar but whose wife ceaselessly nagged him about his smoking. Upon his death, he left his wife the sum of £50,000 in his will, providing she took up his detested habit and smoked five cigars each day. Unfortunately, it is not recorded whether or not the terms of the will were ever met. Consider as well the unsettling fact that the earth is bombarded by 75,000,000 meteors each day, or that you have a better chance of being struck by lightning or killed in a hurricane than of winning many lottery draws.

Moderately priced, attractively designed, packed with content, and illustrated with more than 700 photographs and line drawings, this volume sets a high standard as the first book in Ripley’s new publishing program. Essential reading for all trivia buffs.