Every year, readers send in thousands of questions to New Scientist magazine in the hope that the answers to them will be given in the 'Last Word' column. This title presents a collection of the best that have appeared, including: why can't we eat green potatoes; why do airliners suddenly plummet; and, does a compass work in space.

Part of a series of cult word books devoted exclusively to the service of Superior People.

Words are not only tools; they are also weapons. The secret to being a truly Superior Person is to use really superior words. This book offers five hundred words to help you wiggle out of sticky debates, deal with obnoxious dinner guests and fill in sick leave application forms with panache.

An entertaining, impassioned polemic on the retreat of reason in the late 20th century.

Exposing absurdity and celebrating eccentricity, this book offers a snapshot of life in the 21st century.

An autobiography of Stephen Fry's first twenty years, this book talks about his family, about his homosexuality, about the agonies of childhood.