If you’re more fact and figures than light-hearted fiction, here’s a trio of books you may fancy
Do you know … in 2022 Johan Espenkrona hurled a washing machine a distance of 4.45m, so holding the Farthest Washing Machine Throw record. To be honest, did you even know that was a category? The Guinness World Records 2023 is just crammed with facts … silly – most drink cans ripped in half using teeth, interesting – youngest opera singer, current – fastest time to reach one million followers on TikTok, fascinating – tallest building, longest single space flight, oldest person. A lovely gift for the curious. Macmillan, R430
Formula 1 – The Official History by motorsport journalist and broadcaster Maurice Hamilton has been revised and updated, and is just page after page of thrilling images and info … the races, the technical feats, the legendary drivers. It’s the complete, authorised story and chronicles the complete history of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Welbeck, R564
Star charts for each season. Luna eclipses. Visibility of the planets. The lives and deaths of stars. Basic observing skills. Sky Guide Southern Africa 2023 (the 78th edition) is an invaluable practical handbook for anyone who has even a passing interest in the night skies. From the sun to the moon, from planets to comets to meteors … it’s crammed with info, dates, tips and diagrams to help you along. Struik Nature, R160
