This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S CUNK ON EVERYTHING ABOUT?
Funny story (well, a story anyway), last week I was in my doctor's office briefly and the nurse was being nice while she prepared to stab me with a knife (or maybe it was a tiny needle, the witness accounts vary) and she asked me what I was reading. I responded with, "Have you seen that show on Netflix called Cunk on Earth?" She hadn't. Which made the whole small-talk pitch so much harder.

Because if you have seen the show (even just a clip or two), this is easy—it's Philomena Cunk's take on just about everything. History, culture, science, art, philosophy, religion, sports, food, and some of the important individuals in those areas. Presented in her idiosyncratic way, of course.

Now, if you haven't watched the show—because you're a reader, or something rare like that—this is trickier. Cunk's approach to the documentary specials on TV or the encyclopedia entries in this book are a combination of naïveté, misunderstandings (especially in mispronunciation/misspellings), and cynicism.

Miscellaneous Observations
I don't know how to talk about this book—especially as it's essentially 1-5 page entries on a wide variety of topics (and that page count is just a guess, I couldn't tell you from my eARC). The topics range from Alexander the Great, the Alphabet, The Alt Right, The Dark Ages, Democracy, Fake News, "Fullosophy," Hair, the iPhone, The Mystery of Life, Sausages, "Weeing in Public," and so on. So, right—forget trying to cover this all intelligibly.

In lieu of that, here are some miscellaneous observations:
* The pacing is a bit odd—the "H" entries are around the fifty percent mark—I've come up with a dozen half-baked ideas/theories/jokes to explain it. It really doesn't matter, but I thought it was odd. I don't care—but it was something I noticed.
* The entry on Jazz is just fantastic.
* There are a couple of running jokes—derogatory comments about the idea of books throughout, repeated use of "Frankingstein" (to describe a certain Mary Shelley character), and that the moon landing was faked. This book doesn't really feel like a vehicle for running jokes, but they work so well.
* The first paragraph about The Oedipus Complex is one of the best things I've read in 2023—the last sentence of that paragraph made me almost laugh out loud (but I was in the waiting room of that doctor's office, so I had to swallow it to prevent strange looks)
* I really didn't think that you could make many jokes about triangles. The authors of this book proved me wrong—and most of them were really funny, too.
* You are going to hear Diane Morgan's deadpan delivery in your head whether you read this or get the audiobook. Just know that going in. (you likely assumed it that already, so know that you're right).
* Mozart and Shakespeare are frequently the targets of jokes—it's not surprising to see them both as topics here. Some of the funniest things I've seen written about both of them are here, too.
* The entry on Xylophones is fantastic—it covers the instrument, the usage of it in alphabet books, the silliness of using it in them (given the pronunciation), and more.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT CUNK ON EVERYTHING?
I didn't see (but maybe overlooked) the writers behind this book listed anywhere—but whoever they were, they deserve a round of applause. Or two.

I chuckled and laughed out loud a lot while reading this. There's really not much more to say—that's what they were going for.

My daughter and I have spent months sending various Cunk videos back and forth to each other. But now I've transitioned to reading her bits and pieces of this as I worked through it. I'm not nearly as good as Morgan at delivering the material, I realize. She's probably glad I'm finished. But, man is this a quotable read—it's virtually impossible to resist the urge to share this material.

Whether you go from cover to cover, or dip into it here and there (probably for longer than you intend to)—these brief entries are almost certainly going to be a burst of entertainment for you. Not all of them are going to work for every reader—but never fear, just turn the page and you're probably going to come across one that will.

I had a blast with this—putting this post together took longer than you'd think based on the brevity of it because I kept getting distracted by the book and re-read large chunks of it. I think you will, too.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

Fans of Philomena Cunk and historical satire will delight in this collection of humorous and “educational” encyclopedia entries. From science facts about the “Large Hadron Colander” (no you can’t take a ride in it) to Climate Change (previously known as the “Oz One layer”) to historical facts (before the electric chair, it was probably called an “acoustic” chair), this book is the equivalent of at least 5 or 6 college degrees.

We also encounter thought provoking questions (Were the dark ages really dark? When we think, are we using our brains or our minds? Where does your lap go when you stand up?) and rumination on literature and pop culture (“Frankingstein” isn’t the name of the monster. It’s actually the name of the book!) as well as financial advice (“computer money” is vulnerable!) Be sure to take plenty of notes!

Cunk’s quirky and hilariously misguided takes on historical events are sure to keep you giggling. As a fan of her tv shows (Cunk on Earth and Cunk on Britain), there is some overlap with content, but there are plenty of new gems to be discovered as well.

This is a pretty good bathroom book, but I wish they had updated the content before rereleasing it. A lot of the references were outdated.

Cunk on Everything is a witty and occasionally scathing alphabetical encyclopedia of observations by Philomena Cunk. Originally published in 2018, this hardcover reformat and re-release is from Hachette on their Grand Central imprint. It's 304 pages and is available in this edition in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the e-book format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

"Philomena" is a comedian/actress and writer and she gleefully skewers everything from Adam & Eve (having only men around must've been dead boring, hence Eve was needed, and why didn't the almighty just put a post-it on the apple like normal people do to their food in the office fridge?) to Zombies (if they'd only turn vegetarian and stop eating people, the zombie apocalypse would be a non-starter).

This is for reading in limited snatches, not really for cover-to-cover perusal. It is quite funny, and very much in the same vein as her other media work. Fans of her TV specials and film work will enjoy this very much.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The voice of Philomena Cunk is so cutting and audial in this read. I shouldn't have been surprised, but it is really well-written and very beautifully conveys the exact same tone of the show by the same name. Really fun, quick read!

I first became acquainted with the unhinged genius that is Philomena Cunk through her TV series, Cunk on Earth, and this utterly bonkers book with Philomena's take on - well, EVERYTHING - did not disappoint. I can't pick a favorite entry because there are too many things to cackle about in each and every one. This was utterly hilarious, glorious nonsense, and I can't get enough of it.

And I'm really looking forward to giving this to my dad for Christmas because he's going to lose his mind. Perfection.

This was a fun, amusing book to read. I knew that I enjoyed the author's sense of humor from watching Cunk on Earth, so I was glad I got to experience more of it. There were a couple times I actually laughed aloud.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read! I was so excited to read the book because I loved the show. You could really hear her voice in the book.

My husband and I loved Cunk on Earth, the hilarious Netflix series she did about human history. So I knew I had to read this book, and it did not disappoint.

The encyclopedia style of describing everything is fun and she alternates between making good points and ridiculous ones. It was easy to jump in and out of, and had me literally laughing out loud. It was a fun change from the books I normally read. I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook. It is great in either format, but I definitely recommend picking this one up in audio!

This book was hilarious, it has the same brand of humor as the Netflix show. Its written in the style of a reference book, something to read in short bursts or when killing time. This book had me actively laughing out loud throughout the entire thing. It's hilarious, witty, and full of 'Pearls of Wisdom'.

If you're in need of a good laugh, then this book will give it to you!

Cunk on Everything is the same brand of humor as the Netflix show. If you enjoyed Cunk on Earth, you will get a kick out of this book. It's written in the style of a reference book, with short entries for each topic. This is ideal for reading in short spurts or keeping with you to read while you're in a waiting room, etc.

Reading Cunk on Everything is exactly like watching a Philomena Cunk show. It's hilarious and enjoyable, and occasionally a little repetitive. In the case of the book, not all the jokes landed for me (there's a weird amount of fat shaming), but I had plenty of solid laughs.

Basically, a fun book to dip in and out of, but nothing mind-blowing.

3/5

Absolutely hilarious, a great companion read to the show on Netflix. It's not quite public library material, however, more of a gift you would give someone who really enjoys the show/skit.

I so badly wanted to love this one because I love Cunk on Earth but I really struggled with it! I found that without visuals or her snappy tone I wasn't very interested in the context being delivered.

If you haven’t watched CUNK ON EARTH on Netflix yet, do it this weekend. It’s hilarious and I highly recommend it.

When I saw there was going to be a book, I freaked. This book is HILARIOUS. this is a book I can pick up at any time, on any page, and know I’ll laugh out loud. This is the best encyclopedia i have ever read.

Basically, every member of my family is getting a copy of this book for Christmas

(4/5 stars) If you've watched and enjoyed the Netflix documentary Cunk on Earth, you will enjoy this book. I feel like as I was reading it, it was so easy to read it *IN* the voice of Philomena Cunk and that's a true sign that art and artist have become so intertwined that one and the other cannot be separated. Very enjoyable, would be a great coffee table book. I imagine that the book on audio is phenomenal.

"From the creator and star of the "deeply funny, unexpectedly informative" (The Daily Beast) Netflix mockumentary Cunk on Earth, a helpful guide covering every single topic in the known universe, from Adam and Eve to Top Gun.

Once in a blue moon, a book comes along that changes the world. The Origin of Species. War and Peace. 1984. And now, Cunk on Everything: The Encyclopedia Philomena, by Philomena Cunk.

Philomena Cunk is one of the greatest thinkers of the 21st century, and in Cunk on Everything she turns her attention to our biggest issue: why are there so many books? Wouldn't it be better if there was just one? This is that book - an encyclopedia of all human knowledge, delving into not only life's greatest mysteries but our most important political figures and cultural touchstones.

Read it, and you'll never have to read another book again."

Seriously, do yourself a favor and delve into the world of Philomena Cunk.

If you are familiar with Philomena Cunk, you know she’s brilliant. I loved all of her “pearls of wisdom” in alphabetical order of course! I particularly liked her thoughts on Australia. Very funny.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance digital copy. I’m looking forward to listening to the audiobook when it’s released.

Hilarious! So much like the show, but more in depth and smart. Very witty, and I love that she’s getting a second chance at her re-telling of history!

Ok, this book, "Cunk On Everything".. absolutely cracked me
up! Of course having seen the show, I read everything with the delivery of Philomena Cunk. If you are a fan of the Netflix series, you will love the book. Never saw the show? Have no fear! I think it would also make a great introduction and gift for yourself, or anyone else who isn't familiar with the Cunk brand of humor. 
      It is in fact presented like an encyclopedia, an A - Z guide with everything from Adam and Eve to Brexit, Fullosophy to Quorn, Top Gear to Zombies... there is something for everyone in here! 
      Pro tip: don't read it in bed like me where you have to stifle your giggles so you don't wake up your partner from your laughter shaking the bed!