Tuesday Trivia

1. Which author’s genius work ignited a scientific revolution, but failed financially — going out of print for many years after its initial publication in 1543?
2. What was Shakespeare’s average annual income?
3. In 1838, which author wrote a story about shipwreck survivors in an open boat who turn to cannibalism to survive, only to have it come true in 1884?
4. Which famous Greek philosopher owes the men of a Roman army invading Asia Minor a thank you for preserving his works for future generations?
5. What type of bird is now found throughout North America because Eugene Scheifflin instituted a project in the 1890's to bring to America each type of bird mentioned in the works of Shakespeare?

Last Weeks Answers

What is the longest word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order?

“Almost” is the longest word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order. (Although commentor "DG" offered Aegilops and biopsy as well).

The word “girl” appears only once in what world-famous literary work?

According to my trivia sources, the word "girl" appears only once in the Bible in Joel 3:3. The word “girls” appears once in Zechariah 8:5.

Again some contention from commenter "DG." Sadly, like an episode of myth busters, it seems that DG is correct and this piece of trivia is busted. My apologies for incorrect information. And just for the record, I did not refer to the bible as a "novel," I referred to it as a "world-famous literary work."

Which French novelist and playwright dabbled in the art of hypnotism?

Honoré de Balzac’s hobby was hypnotism.

In what year was the first public library opened in America?

The first public library in America was opened in Boston, MA in 1636.

Which celebrated Victorian novelist toyed with the names “Small Sam” and “Puny Pete” before settling on the well-known character name he chose?

Charles Dickens called the sickly character in A Christmas Carol “Small Sam” and “Puny Pete” before settling on “Tiny Tim.”