This sampler was quite entertaining, and I learned several things I didn't already know. I also felt that it was very well written. I didn't feel compelled to read the entire book (because I don't have time) but I can certainly see why others may want to.

I liked this and thought it was an interesting read. This was fun and accessible, and i could see giving this as gift to people. The writing kept me hooked and i would want to buy the full book for myself too.

Incredibly interesting and the sample made me want to pick up the rest of the book. I love “the rest is” podcast collection so this was an excellent add on

Enough from the Sampler to know that this is another "must read" from Tom Holland. History made accessible. Looks that the book will be up to his normal standard and I look forward to moving on from this Sampler kindly provided by Netgalley.

This was amazing, but too ‘bitty’ for me to get entirely immersed in. It’s kind of like reading a book of trivia.- interesting, but ultimately not particularly memorable .

I'm a huge fan of The Rest is History podcast and this book is the perfect accompaniment - as entertaining, witty and informative as its hosts.

This was a fun read!

I liked the writing styles for each chapter, making it a delight to read. I especially liked the Top Ten Theories about Atlantis chapter and its eccentricity star rating. I also enjoyed The 10 Dogs in History chapter.. poor Blondi!

I can't wait to read the full book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an extract of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is basically "horrible Histories" for adults and older children. There are a lot of these type of books around, but this is a superior version. There is the same humour Dominic and Tom bring to their podcast, and the facts in this book are some of the lesser known ones. This is a great book to get someone hooked on history.

The book of the fabulous podcast - so much fun and fascinating facts. In this book they answer masses of questions from history that I would never have even thought to ask. A great book for christmas or a birthday to dip into perhaps while in the bath or just before falling asleep in bed. Tremendous fun and think how pompous you could sound to your friends!

The extract I was given to review was a great taster for what seems to be a funny and accessible approach to covering some of the more unusual aspects of history. From the extract, I would deduce that the book is great to dip into for historical anecdotes and conversation fillers.

With thanks to the authors, the publisher and NetGalley for an extract of the book to read and review.

I am a huge fan of the podcast and heard there was a book coming out which sounded great. This was only a short sample but it did not disappoint! The research is excellent and the stories so delightfully quirky

Probably interesting for those who like their history in bite-sized comic chunks but not for me I’m afraid. I quickly found myself skimming instead of reading.

I read a sampler of a few chapters. Much amusing trivia, with topics ranging from pigeons to Spartans to famous dogs (though this chapter was particularly western-centric - why select Greyfriars Bobby without even a mention of Hachiko, a Japanese dog probably even more famous for a similar reason)? This book will probably do well at Christmas, when you can buy it for your nephews you otherwise have no idea what to get, and they can regale the family with random bits of historical facts.

One of those delightful books one can dip in and out of, and learn interesting facts to drop into conversations, win quizzes. Perfect Christmas present.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC

Fairly humorous but it was difficult to really get into. Some odd choices of subject too. There is only so much I can read about pigeons for example. Horrible Histories does it better.

This is brilliant!!! I've only read a sample but I want more!!
History in bite size, funny chunks!
Absolutely loved it!
Will definitely be buying this for my dad AND me for Christmas!

Excellent reading. History is something I like but sometimes can be very heavy. This book is different. A great compendium of interesting historical stories, from pigeons to dogs and everything in between. Easy to read and well written. Thoroughly recommendable.

From the sampler that I read, it seems to be a good book for the coffee table. A book that is easy to dip into and out of.

Excellent pieces of information that could be used as quiz question. Names that you know ie dogs, and how they became famous.

Would really have liked to have read the whole book in stages.

I have to admit I wasn't aware of this podcast, but having enjoyed this sample full of humour and interesting facts, I will be looking out for it and the full length book.
thank you to netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an advance copy of this book

A fun sampler based on a podcast. I've not heard the podcast but I will seek it out now. I will also seek the whole book. It's really good fun and this sampler has whetted my appetite for the whole book which I will definitely be buying.