The Books of Lists and People's Almanacs by the Wallace/Wallechinsky family were my favourite books growing up in the 1980s, although in those days of my callous youth many of the references went way over my head.

I didn't enjoy The People's Almanac 2 to the extent of its predecessors (a long section on "nations and their rulers" had me wanting to skip a few pages) but there was still much to like, including the entries on buried treasure and footnote people in world history.

There have been many imitators of the Books of Lists and People's Almanacs but none yet that match the originals. ( )

It would seem impossible to produce a follow-up that could equal the original People's Almanac. Somehow, this volume succeeds, it does so without repeating content in the original. ( )

No one has ever presented information in a more interesting and entertaining way. I keep a copy of this book on my desk for dipping into in spare moments. Although the information is now a bit dated, I know that I will be informed and entertained no matter what page I let it fall open to. ( )

Excellent information inside. Lists, tables, charts, statistics, history, you name it. The lack of coherent (at least visibly) organization gives this book its strength and its weakness. It wanders about sampling a wild variety of topics. ( )