Unofficial Book of Harvard Trivia

How did I happen to read this book? -- I got involvedtrying to answer the questions posed about the author -- "Which of the following trivial facts about David Loftus is true?" he asks, followed by a wonderfully improbable list of events and activities. Spurred by his sense of humor, I went on to read the book. Readers of David's book will get a glimpse of Harvard that most of us would never see. I found it fascinating. If you can find a copy used, it would make a terrific gift to a new Harvard Student. The book poses a series of questions about Harvard, its students, and its history. See if you know the answers, or look them up in the back of the book. What can I say? I love a quiz!

It's known that used books stands are like grandma's chest -below the layers of once-fashionable apparel and dusty souvenirsgleams something golden. What's that? A Faberge egg or a cheap make-up box in a still glossy gift-wrap?Worth examining.On my last trip to New York I've decided to invest a spare tenner in a(the?) book of Harvard trivia. I am a graduate of the Moscow University -rightfully considered the best in Russia - so the idea of learning about our American antipodes, comparing our experiences seemed tempting. The author's name was unfamiliar but emanated respectability. What can I say now? Mr.Loftus swims his oceans graciously. He knows the facts, the lore, the anecdotes.He has no need to hide behind the barricades of words - the clarity of prose speaks of disciplined mind. There is just enough nostalgie and sentimentality to make the happennings endearing - it's evident Mr.Loftus is fond of his alma mater but he is not pushing that feeling down your throat.Reading the book I've slipped occasionally in recollections of my student years, I was amused and delighted - I had a great time!So another underrated gem is discovered thanks to the used books stand. It's a pity the book is out of print - I hope Harvard book shops have the adequate supply.Anyone who was an university student once on plans to become one will be delighted by that creampuff.