Mental Floss

BOOKS

NYPL // Public Domain

Go forth and download high-res images.

I. W. Taber, Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Whether you've read 'Moby-Dick' cover to cover or just have it propping open your door, here are some little-known facts that will surprise you.

Pickering & Greatbatch via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

A new analysis of thousands of books finds that bestselling titles from the last few decades contain fewer strongly positive or negative words than older works such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

ISTOCK

We know you’ve been wondering how to say “butt” in Elvish.

ISTOCK

That depends who you ask, and how you define “gross.”

iStock

Some of these will make your head spin.

iStock

It might be because your e-reader doesn't know the books could double as door stops.

A portrait of English MP John Elwes, a.k.a. "Elwes the Miser."

Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' was published in December 1843. Find out about the real-world inspirations behind this holiday-themed classic.

Roald Dahl's first wife, Patricia Neal, seen here wearing an eyepatch in the aftermath of a stroke, was the inspiration behind the language in The BFG.

Author Roald Dahl was famous for the nonsensically whimsical language he created in his books, but the origin of those words has its roots in tragedy.

© The Christie Archive Trust

The prolific mystery writer took an active part in her husband’s archaeology digs.

Syfy

An adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke's landmark sci-fi novel, which has been marinating in Hollywood for six decades, finally hits TV screens tonight.

Dark Horse Comics

The three-part installment is called "Angel Catbird." Yes, it's about a man who's part cat, part bird.

CBC

Kindred spirits the world over are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the beloved 'Anne of Green Gables' miniseries.

EgalmothOfGondolin01, YouTube

A Turkish Court is trying to figure out whether Gollum is good or evil, and the fate of a Turkish doctor hangs in the balance.

Royal College of Surgeons, London

The beloved bear lived to a ripe old age despite her fondness for sticky buns and honey.

Public Domain

Including stories like “The Ungrateful Children and the Old Father Who Went to School Again.”

Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

In the case of Ikey Solomon, the real life tale trumps fiction.

“Battle of Assandun, showing Edmund Ironside (left) and Cnut the Great." Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Researchers found a clever way to test centuries-old manuscripts without damaging them: eraser crumbs.

Curtis Clark via WikimediaCommons // Public Domain

The classic book turns 138 today.

ticket books

To increase literacy in Brazil, one publisher combined books with subway passes.

Wikipedia

The famed author wrote the one-act comedy when he was in his early 20s.

Tolkien discusses his inspirations, and wishes he could talk to trees.

Public Domain Review

Drugs, skeletons, madness, and children's books—and you thought history was boring.

Amazon

Art director Keith Hayes knows we're all guilty of judging a book by its cover.