The Book of Useless Information

This #1 New York Times bestseller is full of fascinating facts and figures that will captivate anyone who enjoys the pursuit of pointless knowledge

To The Useless Information Society, any fact that passes its gasp-inducing, not-a-lot-of-people-know-that test merits inclusion in this intriguing but ultimately useless book. Portable and lightweight, this collection of obscure knowledge is the perfect gift for trivia buffs. You'll learn thousands of facts about history, art, sports, animals, and pop culture, including:

• That fish scales are used to make lipstick
• Why organized crime accounts for ten percent of the United States’s annual income
• The name of the first CD pressed in the United States
• The last year that can be written upside-down or right side-up and appear the same
• The shortest performance ever nominated for an Oscar®
• How much Elvis weighed at the time of his death
• What the suits in a deck of cards represent
• How many Quarter Pounders can be made from one cow

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs