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The United States of Absurdity  By  cover art

The United States of Absurdity

By: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, Patton Oswalt - foreword
Narrated by: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds
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Publisher's summary

The creators of the podcast The Dollop present profiles of the weird, outrageous, NSFW, and downright absurd tales from American history that you weren't taught in school.

The United States of Absurdity presents short, informative, and hilarious stories of the most outlandish (but true) people, events, and more from United States history. Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds cover the weird stories you didn't learn in history class, such as 10-Cent Beer Night, the Jackson Cheese, and the Kentucky Meat Shower.

©2017 Dave Anthony (P)2017 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"If my history teachers in high school had been half as smart and one-tenth as entertaining as Dave and Gareth, I could probably tell you who fought in the Spanish-American War today." (Josh Olson, Oscar-nominated screenwriter for A History of Violence)
"This book, just like The Dollop, will teach you things you'll wish you had learned in history class. I dare you not to be equal parts fascinated, horrified, and in stitches." (Al Madrigal, actor and comedian, The Daily Show)
"Dave and Gareth have created an amazing record of historical eccentricities which, while hysterically informative, has thus far only been available for your ears. This book will take The Dollop into the uncharted territory of your eyes. And hopefully, if my many requests are heeded - there will be a scented version." (Chris Hardwick, host of @midnight and Talking Dead)

What listeners say about The United States of Absurdity

Average customer ratings
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Spectacular!

So happy I bought the hardback book AND the Audible version! I got to have Dave and Gareth (not Gary) narrate it to me. The only bad thing about this is that I'm finished with it. Time to re-listen/reread!

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great collection of absurd stories from American history

If you know the podcast, The Dollop, you probably have heard these stories before, but this format gives you a new angle and a more condensed version of the stories. So I would recommend IT to listeners of the podcast. IT also is a great introdution so if you like the book you really should check out the podcast there are 260 eps waiting for you.

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Slightly inaccurate but humorous

Loved it. Well read and funny! I loved it. I think it’s slightly inaccurate but still enjoyed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

5 star amazing quick listen

This is a hilarious, informative, creative, and irreverent book and is a great read for teenagers.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I love history facts

This book has crazy history facts. I enjoyed it and it made me laugh. Listen to it.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just a taste

This book was a great intro to their podcast, The Dollop. My understanding is that all of the vignettes talked about in the book are explored in greater detail in their podcast. It's good, but if you're already a fan you can skip this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Funny and informative

Great story delivery. Unexpected tales from history that in retrospect should be known. Surprisingly entertaining

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Fun facts that your teacher didn't know!

Really enjoyed this audio. Fun facts that you really did not know. History is really entertaining. And embarrassing at the same time.

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3 people found this helpful

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much like the podcast

It's strange to hear these stories in such a controlled, deliberate environment. From their live shows to the podcasts this iteration is my least favorite. Don't get me wrong, this book is still amusing & entertaining as well as informative... I just prefer the guys riffing instead

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fun book with some fun facts

This is a fun and light read if you like that type of thing (I do). There are several fun stories and facts in the book. A few fall short, but most are entertaining and I enjoyed it overall. The narrators did a top notch job as well.

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