zachary kanin

Long on laughs and never short on anecdotes, facts, and lore, The Short Book is the last word on all things small—and the perfect stocking-stuffer for diminutive friends and loved ones.

Short people everywhere, stand up and be counted! Oh...you ARE standing up? Then this funny, information-packed little book is for you!

Eighty percent of people in the world consider themselves "short"—and yet the world belongs to the tall. (They get the girl, win the election, get paid more, and even live longer.) So what do short people get? They get THIS BOOK, by a shorty and devoted to all that is fascinating and fabulous—and funny—about being short. Written with humor but filled with "true facts" and entertaining stories,The Short Book covers such topics as the science of shortness; short criminals, celebrities, and superheroes; shortness in literature, film, sports, and the arts; short job options and "smallotry" in the workplace; short dating, dancing, and romance; short nicknames (and how to answer back); short songs; short clothing—and much more.

Witty illustrations, charts, and photos throughout add visual humor and appeal. How tall are you compared to Napoleon, Danny DeVito, Tom Cruise...? Take a look! What is the Napoleon Complex, and do you have it? Is there any truth to the rumor that the taller candidate always wins the election, and if so—why? What are some of the tricks Hollywood uses to make short actors appear taller than they are—and can you use them in your own life? The facts and fun just keep on coming.

Also included are comments from famous shorties including Will Shortz, Martin Short, Jon Stewart, Dennis Kucinich, and others. Short is beautiful!

Zachary Kanin, 5'3", is a writer and cartoonist. His cartoons and humor piees have appeared inThe New Yorker, where he worked until recently. He lives in New York City.