SKU: 80212324527

The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World

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Description

The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the WorldPart memoir and part education (or lack thereof), The Know It All chronicles NPR contributor A. J. Jacobs's hilarious, enlightening, and seemingly impossible quest to read the Encyclopaedia Britannica from A to Z. 33,000 PAGES 44 MILLION WORDS 10 BILLION YEARS OF HISTORY 1 OBSESSED MAN To fill the ever widening gaps in his Ivy League education, A. J. Jacobs sets for himself the daunting task of reading all thirty two volumes of the Encyclopaedia

Part memoir and part education (or lack thereof), The Know-It-All chronicles NPR contributor A.J. Jacobs's hilarious, enlightening, and seemingly impossible quest to read the Encyclopaedia Britannica from A to Z.

33,000 PAGES
44 MILLION WORDS
10 BILLION YEARS OF HISTORY
1 OBSESSED MAN

To fill the ever-widening gaps in his Ivy League education, A.J. Jacobs sets for himself the daunting task of reading all thirty-two volumes of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. His wife, Julie, tells him it's a waste of time, his friends believe he is losing his mind, and his father, a brilliant attorney who had once attempted the same feat and quit somewhere around Borneo, is encouraging but unconvinced.

With self-deprecating wit and a disarming frankness, The Know-It-All recounts the unexpected and comically disruptive effects Operation Encyclopedia has on every part of Jacobs's life -- from his newly minted marriage to his complicated relationship with his father and the rest of his charmingly eccentric New York family to his day job as an editor at Esquire. Jacobs's project tests the outer limits of his stamina and forces him to explore the real meaning of intelligence as he endeavors to join Mensa, win a spot on Jeopardy , and absorb 33,000 pages of learning. On his journey he stumbles upon some of the strangest, funniest, and most profound facts about every topic under the sun, all while battling fatigue, ridicule, and the paralyzing fear that attends his first real-life responsibility -- the impending birth of his first child.

The Know-It-All is an ingenious, mightily entertaining memoir of one man's intellect, neuroses, and obsessions, and a struggle between the all-consuming quest for factual knowledge and the undeniable gift of hard-won wisdom.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 10/10/2005
ISBN: 9780743250627
Pages: 389
Weight: 0.77lbs
Size: 8.48h x 5.52w x 0.98d
Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 87305 / Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World
Reading Level: 6.8 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 24
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SKU: 80212324527

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heather
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Good product
Size: 2.5", Style: Closed Hooks
Strong magnets that stay on wall once applied. Definitely holds the weight that it says it holds on the product. Good size to hold my halters in my barn. Would buy again and I think the price was a little high for this product, but it was worth the purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
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P. Fuller
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Versatile and Sturdy Storage Solution
Size: 2.5" & 4" - 4 Pack, Style: Open Hooks, Size: 2.5" & 4" - 4 Pack, Style: Open Hooks
The GATOR MAGNETICS Open Storage Hook has been a great (pricey) solution for adding hooks that are strong and useful. Its simple yet robust design makes it incredibly versatile for various uses around the house. The hook feels sturdy and durable, capable of holding a surprising amount of weight without bending or warping. Installation is as easy as blinking your eyes; the really strong magnets allow for easy attachment to any magnetic surface, and the hook remains securely in place. I've used it for hanging lights and bags in my office and bedroom, providing a neat and accessible storage solution in any setting. The open design ensures quick access to items without the hassle of removing them from a closed loop, which is a fantastic convenience. The magnet seems to be protected well enough with a rubber surface so that I don't have to worry about damaging my tables that I have attached these hooks. In terms of value for money, this storage hook is pricey but no competition that I've seen with the same level of durability and convenience. I'm impressed by its performance and versatility, making it a must-have for anyone looking to organize their space efficiently. Pros: Sturdy and durable build quality Easy magnetic installation on metal surfaces Versatile usage for multiple items Convenient open design for quick access Doesn't damage surfaces Cons: None that I've encountered so far! (Maybe price?) Overall, I highly recommend the GATOR MAGNETICS Open Storage Hook for its durability, versatility, and exceptional functionality. It's a small investment that brings significant organization and efficiency to any space.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2023
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Roy Cox
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Amazingly strong and versatile
Size: 2.5" & 4" - 4 Pack, Style: Open Hooks
I saw these advertised on Instagram and immediately purchased a 4 pack. I really wanted them to work but after trying them on 4-5 different steel surfaces I couldn't'[t get any of them to stick well or hold anything heavier than a wet towel. Maybe a bad batch? A shame. The company took the time to reach out to me after seeing my first review where the hooks wound stick to metal poles in my studio. I definitely was not expecting them to reach out to address my issues with the hooks I purchased and returned. After trying the new replacement hooks out I now could not be more impressed! They are strong, well made and easy to use. The hooks and the magnetic baskets are phenomenal and I highly recommend them. I did a test with the hooks, which held a 75 lb weight with no issues on the side of a craftsman tool box! It seems that any early product issues are fixed. The customer service is fantastic and they really took the time to address the issues and keep their customers coming back happy. Well done! Gator Magnetics is definitely a class act in my book!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024
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darren
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy to use!
These work great for a metal workshop! Holds up my 6ft ladder and pressure washer hose with ease. Definitely recommend
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
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Mark Archer
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
25 lb hanger doesn’t hold my Echo trimmer
Size: 4" - Red, Style: Open Hooks, Size: 4" - Red, Style: Open Hooks
Purchased the holders for my Echo trimmer and hedger but the tines are not long enough to hold the Echos. A picture in the description shows a gas powered unit hanging which is why I bought the hangers. Buy the larger 45 lb hanger for trimmers. Nice hook but I’ll probably send them back if i can’t find a use for them soon.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2025

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