Christopher Cerf Books

In Encyclopedia Paranoiaca, master satirists Henry Beard and Christopher Cerf have assembled an authoritative, disturbingly comprehensive, and utterly debilitating inventory of things poised to harm, maim, or kill you – all of them based on actual research about the perils of everyday life. Beard and Cerf cite convincing evidence that everyday things we consider healthy – eating leafy greens, flossing, washing our hands – are actually harmful, and items we thought were innocuous – drinking straws, flip-flops, neckties, skinny jeans – pose life-threatening dangers. Did you know that nearly ten thousand people are sent to A&E each year because of escalator accidents? And if you're crossing your legs right now, you're definitely at serious risk.

Now that some American students have to fill in questionnaires for consensual lovemaking, going on a date is more of a minefield than ever before. This book aims to tell readers the truth about politically correct sex and is anecdotal, topical and amusing.

Did you ever feel that the experts might not be as knowledgeable as they claim? Historical misjudgments abound, such as Irving Fisher's prediction of a "permanently high plateau" for stocks just before the 1929 crash, or Decca's dismissal of the Beatles in 1962. From the belief that Civil War films wouldn’t succeed to the skepticism about Japanese cars in the 1960s, experts have consistently missed the mark. Notably, the president of Digital Equipment Corporation asserted in 1977 that home computers were unnecessary, and The Wall Street Journal confidently predicted in 1995 that Bill Clinton would lose to any competent Republican. This work systematically catalogs these miscalculations, misunderstandings, and outright errors from experts across various fields, including economics, politics, and science. In this expanded edition, the collection illustrates the vast scope of expert misjudgment while also offering a reflective narrative on human knowledge. It explores the contrast between what was believed and what has been proven true, revealing the limitations of expert insight throughout history.

Newly expanded and up-to-the-minute, a bestselling guide to survival in multicultural America in the sensitive 1990s. Includes even more real and satirical definitions to help keep thought cops away. Illustrated throughout.

In a Kansas pasture one spring morning, a unique horse named Blackie was born, distinguished by his coal-black coat and quirky personality. Unlike other colts, Blackie preferred standing still, often pondering, “What’s the hurry?” This charming biography-in-verse tells the heartwarming tale of a horse who embraced his unusual habit while achieving remarkable feats. Blackie became a champion rodeo horse, a tourist favorite at Yosemite Park, a legendary environmental advocate, and the beloved mascot of Tiburon, California. As word spread about the horse who stood still, children flocked to see him, captivated by his steadfastness. The enchanting illustrations by Paige Peterson complement the playful, rhyming text, making this story a delightful read for both children and adults. It conveys a vital message about appreciating and preserving the beauty of nature. Blackie’s adventures remind us of the joy found in simply observing the world around us, whether it’s watching a gull soar or the fog rolling in over the bay. This charming tale is destined to become a classic, resonating with readers in the tradition of beloved stories like Ferdinand the Bull and The Lorax.