3 out of 4 stars
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Poor Robert's Almanac is perfectly described by its subtitle, A daily dose of drolleries and diversions to get you through another year. It's a collection of historical trivia organized by date, so that you can enjoy a few interesting facts every day for one full year.
There is no question that you will learn something from this book. It won't be profound or life changing, but it will be interesting or funny, or both. The trivia doesn't really follow a theme, or share a connection. On most dates, the author chooses an interesting event that happened that day, or an interesting person who was born that day, and gives a humorous account of that person or event. He touches on science, the arts, politics, food, nature and everything in between.
The writing style includes a subtle humor I really enjoyed. The author made me feel as if we shared some inside jokes, the kind that make you chuckle with the satisfaction that maybe nobody else caught the the humor. This excerpt might help illustrate my point: "Yes, it’s Lava Lamp Day, first celebrated in 1965. The original lamp was invented by British be ex World War II pilot turned accountant Edward Craven-Walker in 1963. The first lamps, using used paraffin wax and carbon tetrachloride, were originally called “Astro Globes” and later became “Lava Lites.” Although ordinary wax has a density much lower than that of water, and would float on top under any temperature, you can try to make one at home. But you are better off risking embarrassment and going out and buying one. The substance tetrachloride has since been banned, and the company now uses a “secret formula,” so you’re on your own."
An unexpected surprise for me in this book was the inclusion of several cocktail recipes and a couple of food recipes as well. On some dates, the author comments about cocktails that were enjoyed or invented by a particular person, or in particular place, and adds the recipe. This was a very nice touch!
Unfortunately, there are numerous errors throughout the book. They are not as bothersome as they might be in a book where one is trying to follow a plot or dialogue, but they are frequent, and therefore did detract from my enjoyment of the book.
In summary, I would recommend this almanac be read as designed, in bits and pieces, a little each day, by anyone who enjoys trivia or quirky historical facts. I rate the book just 3 out of 4 stars because of the many errors.
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Poor Robert’s Almanac
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so I think I think I'm going to enjoy this book. Too bad, though, about the errors. Great job on the review.
I really like this type of content, sounds a bit like a ZINE, doesn't it? I will add it to my "want to read" shelf. 
