The Interesting and Short History of Everything (Book)

Çiğdem Can’s The Interesting and Short History of Everything is a book that presents the historical journeys of everyday small-scale objects and phenomena by weaving together written and oral sources. The author, Çiğdem Can, has worked in the field of popular science and history. The book reached its 14th edition in 2020, published by Genç Timaş (Carpe Diem).

Subject

The book recounts in short, readable chapters the fascinating discoveries, inventions, and transformations of various objects and concepts—from the origins of eyeglasses to wedding traditions, from yogurt fermentation to the history of pens, guitars, the first shoes, and mobile phones.

Content

• History of Everyday Objects: The origins of ordinary items that have become inseparable parts of human life are explained with examples.
• Written and Oral History: In addition to traditional historiography, oral sources are referenced, highlighting the connection between daily life and history.
• Curious Narrative: The stories behind the emergence of various objects enable readers to see familiar items from a new perspective.

Format: 184 pages; hardcover; 13.5 × 20.5 cm; aimed at high school students and adult readers.

Style: Written in a concise, witty, and engaging tone. Each topic is presented as an independent section.