I'm a fairly recent convert to the Straight Dope. One of the first things I learned from the esteemed Cecil Adams is armadillos are leprous (a fact not included in this book, but maybe one of his other books). I've learned many other useful facts since I've started reading the column and books... but that's the fact that always stands out. ( )

Culled from a weekly reader-submitted question column in the Chicago Reader. Thankfully dealing with any topic under the sun, rather than relationship advice. The 1970s hipster-wiseass persona begins to grate pretty quickly, but a wide variety of topics are treated, and Cecil's research usually brings home the bacon. ( )

not sure: It isn't the best or the worst. I wanted more quick facts then a long story about each one.

If you haven't encountered Adam's answers to all the questions in the world, hit the Web right now!

The pot of gold for "Cliff Claven" types with a sense of humour. Love it! ( )