Nigel Holmes

It s got Everything.* Want to know how to wear a kilt, kiss a stranger, prevent a hangover, get out of a sinking car, eat a lobster, greet an alien, predict the weather, play croquet and much, much more? The Book of Everything has it all.* Open the book! Dive in! We guarantee you ll learn something new. And, equipped for a world of smart, sale and exciting travel, you can use your witty know-how to make friends wherever you go.

Amazing Craze A guide to the world’s weirdest, most thrilling contests Whether it’s flinging frozen rats or parading in holly evergreens, racing snails or carrying wives, human beings have long displayed their creativity in wild, odd, and sometimes just wonderful rituals and competitions. To show what lengths we’ll go to uphold our eccentric customs, British American graphic designer Nigel Holmes channels his belief in the power of hilarity to bring together a bewilderingly funny tour around the globe in search of incredible events, all dryly explained with brilliant infographics in WOW! 100 Crazy Contests and Celebrations from around the World. You’ll encounter the startling facts behind peat-bog snorkelling in Wales (wet suits recommended), hotdog-swallowing in the USA (tip: avoid breakfast), or who can make a baby cry quickest in Japan. Through this gallimaufry of gamesmanship and passion, an endearingly warm and affectionate portrait of human endeavor and good humor emerges as Holmes proves, page after page, that when it comes to feats of bravery, endurance, or sheer nonsense, the world is united as one in the fine, and often hilarious, way of celebrating culture. “This book is all about the infinite joie de vivre that cultures across the world can offer. Through humorous infographics, Nigel Holmes reveals how humankind is united by the spirit of good-natured competition.” — Julius Wiedemann

Want to know how to wear a kilt, prevent a hangover, get out of a sinking car, survive when you're lost, deliver a baby, brew a great beer and much, much more? The new and expanded Bigger Book of Everything has it all (well, almost) and is the quintessential guide to travel, to the world and all sorts of things you didn't know you needed to know. Learn something new, enjoy a world of smart, safe and exciting travel and use your witty know-how to make friends wherever you go. You never know: this book might just save your life. Written and illustrated by Nigel Holmes, a graphics director who has written a number of books on aspects of information design and infographics, the book covers everything from how etiquette varies from country to country, how to deal with venomous snakebites, what to do if you're attacked by a crocodile or a shark and how to predict the weather just by looking at the clouds. A series of six light-hearted chapters (understanding the world, outdoors, etiquette, food and drink, health and safety and other fun stuff) takes you on a journey of discovery and answers all the questions which you won't even have thought about asking. Besides covering factual subjects, such as the world's longest rivers and what exactly the Northern Lights are, the book also touches upon more serious subject matter, such as how to deliver a baby in an emergency, how to defend yourself from an attacker or how to survive getting lost on a hike. You never know: this book might just save your life. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks, and more.