The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived

October 1, 2006
In the opening pages of this entertaining compendium of influential characters, myths and legends, the authors ponder whether the Wright brothers would have built the first airplane without the legendary example of Icarus and Daedalus. Perhaps, the authors muse, the Wright brothers would have built something else altogether. Authors and friends Karlan, a computer programmer, Lazar, a former faculty member at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, and Jeremy Salter, an analytical chemist, followed two criteria to determine their admittedly subjective list-"the number of people affected and the depth of impact." Darth Vader, Charlie Brown and Mr. Whipple did not make the list ("popular" does not always translate as "influential," explain the authors). However, Dr. Frankenstein's monster, Uncle Tom, G.I. Joe and HAL 9000 did, largely due to their impact on popular culture and how we define ourselves. Of particular note are the book's "Did You Know" boxes, which offer figures and trivia.

December 1, 2006
This book examines how 101 imaginary characters have shaped our literature, culture, and society. Scientists Lazar, Dan Karlan, and Jeremy Salter have approached their topic out of pure interest, which lends accessibility to the subject matter and a conversational style to the writing. The book begins with a ranked listing of the 101 characters chosen, with the Marlboro Man ranked number one. The authors freely admit that the ranking is purely subjective, based on their estimation of the number of people impacted and the depth of that impact. The characters are then grouped into topical areas such as Greek and Roman myths, folktales, Americana, and television. Each figure has an entry two to three pages long that traces his or her history, evolution, and influence in culture. Among the entries are Venus and Cupid, Atticus Finch, Kermit T. Frog, Rosie the Riveter, Barbie, Icarus, and Siegfried. There are also interesting asides and interludes scattered throughout the text, e.g., a short chapter on the authors' writing process. This entertaining and informative book is suitable for public libraries.Rebecca Bollen Manalac, Sydney, Australia

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