The Story Behind

The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects

By: Emily Prokop

Narrated by: Emily Prokop

Learn the fascinating history and trivia behind the everyday items we take for granted—from the host of the popular podcast The Story Behind – Emily Prokop!

Many of us learn about the major inventions that shape our world. But we too often overlook the objects we use every day. In The Story Behind, Emily Prokop, creator of the Webby Award nominated podcast, explores the who, how, and huh? of everything from Band-Aids to bubble gum; hypnosis to Hula Hoops; and lullabies to lead pipes. Along the way, she demonstrates how the major events of history—from wars, plagues, and revolutions to historic achievements and discoveries—have influenced some of the world’s most pervasive inventions. From food, fashion, and games to transit and modern technology, The Story Behind offers a closer look at the things closest to us.


"There's something so fascinating about looking into the history and stories behind the everyday, mundane, and ordinary. Emily's book will perfectly scratch the itch of curiosity you have for thing you see everyday!" – PATRICK FOOTE

So fun!

I enjoyed the book very much! I only wish it was longer :-) thanks for the facts and trivia!

Fun, Short, and Quirky Factoids

This is a collection of fun, short, and often quirky stories about the background and history of random aspects of everyday life: factoids for the inquisitive mind.

Very good book

if you are interested in the origins and evolution of everyday things, you will love thisbook.

Slightly interesting

What I very much disliked was the restating of information at the end of each chapter. Annoyingly redundant. Like a primary school textbook.

One third of the book is repeated after initial description of subject under “TLDR” ..?

I had to look that up, so I must not be the target audience.
In first part of book she states that all she knew about inventions was that “white men invented them”. Perhaps a little history lesson about the massive contributions Asian, Arabic and African cultures made in the early history when white people were scratching out a life in Europe…
Glad it was free