McSweeney's columnist Kent Woodyard brings new life to the mnemonic memory devices of a bygone era, from creative reinterpretations of classic mnemonics to original creations of dubious usage. Paired with whimsical illustrations, this book is the perfect gift for the word wizards of the world, as well as collectors of useless pop-culture trivia. “Kent Woodyard’s mnemonics are the most essential non-essential mnemonics in the history of language.” ―Christopher Monks, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency “Thankfully, L.A.-based writer Woodyard has compiled a book of all the mnemonics you could ever hope to memorize, even if you don’t really want to.” ― Marielle Wakim, Los Angeles Magazine “Hilarious!” ― Jackie Adams, Los Angeles Magazine “Kent Woodyard’s mnemonics are the most essential non-essential mnemonics in the history of language.” —Christopher Monks, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency “Thankfully, L.A.-based writer Woodyard has compiled a book of all the mnemonics you could ever hope to memorize, even if you don’t really want to.” — Marielle Wakim, Los Angeles Magazine “Hilarious!” — Jackie Adams, Los Angeles Magazine Kent Woodyard has been a columnist for McSweeney's Internet Tendency since 2009. He has also written for Relevant Magazine , The Big Jewel , and Yankee Pot Roast . Originally from Oklahoma City, OK, Kent now lives in Southern California. This is his first book.