Forgotten Firsts

Everyone knows that Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon and that George Washington was the first American president. But what about all those other pioneers and originators (and even the occasional guinea pig) who have been lost in the footnotes of history? This fascinating book is a collection of those lesser-known innovators who deserve their place amongst the list of 'famous firsts'.

It will probably come as no surprise that the first ever restaurateur was a Parisian; his name was Monsieur Boulanger and he originally served up soups which he called restaurants (restoratives) to his clientele. Did you know, however, that the first circus ringmaster was a celebrated cavalryman called Philip Astley who developed his horse-riding act into a grand spectacle that established a blueprint for the circus we know and love today.

101 intriguing and amusing firsts are covered in this wonderfully diverting compendium. Among them are the origins of the first: ambulance service, rollercoaster, soap opera, roller-skater, Christmas card, chocolate bar, Grand National winner, TV chef, crossword, package holiday, actor and many, many more. This is the book that no trivia fiend or general knowledge buff should be without!