April 11, 2003
Friday Quiz #58: Synergy at Work

Here's one I came across doing some research for my actual paid job.

Of the nonfiction bestsellers of 1975, a recent study by the National Arts Journalism Program found that all were now out of print, except the top two. #2 was the classic bullying-for-success manual, Winning through Intimidation by Robert Ringer. The other was reprinted in 1995, when it fit in perfectly to a major 1900s trend of books and TV shows on its subject. It was a smash hit by a man not primarily famous for his literary output, but whose name is recognizable around the world -- although perhaps a smidgen more so in 1975 than now. He's now 83 and still quite active in his chosen field.

Who is the author in question?

The first correct answer posted to comments wins an uncorrected proof of Mike Nelson's Death Rat!, by MST3K alumnus Nelson. No Googling (though it might not help you much with this one anyway) or calling the good folks at the NAJP.

Posted by BT at April 11, 2003 10:23 AM
Comments

Wm. Safire?

Posted by: Hackly_Fracture on April 11, 2003 10:27 AM

The guy who wrote "Chariots of the Gods."

Posted by: BoxJam on April 11, 2003 10:28 AM

Mr. Futureshock - Alvin Toffler?

Posted by: bootsy on April 11, 2003 10:31 AM

Safire's only in his seventies, and he never had a hit this big -- the book in question was the #1 seller for 30 weeks in 1974.

Also, this guy is more well-known than Safire.

Erich Von Daniken, the chariots guy, had a big hit, but again, isn't it our answer's league.

Posted by: BT on April 11, 2003 10:33 AM

Mick Jagger?

Posted by: Scott on April 11, 2003 10:34 AM

How about Bob Hope?

(I don't really think so, as he isn't 'quite active' but imagine my shame if it was him, and I let it slip away. . .)

Posted by: Scott on April 11, 2003 10:39 AM

Neither the Mick, nor the Hope.

Though I like the idea of a new "road picture" with Jagger taking the place of Crosby.

Posted by: BT on April 11, 2003 10:42 AM

I keep wanting to go with Late Great Planet Earth but that guy's not so well known.

Going with fogey, then, and my worst instincts:

Billy Graham?

Posted by: hackly_fracture on April 11, 2003 10:49 AM

Hit me with some Henry Kissinger.

Does the question mean to say the 1990s, rather than the 1900s? Though it could be the latter; I'm just not used to speaking of the 1900s as a century.

Posted by: Scott on April 11, 2003 10:52 AM

Dang - Henry Kissinger was my second guess.

Carl Sagan.

Posted by: boxjam on April 11, 2003 10:58 AM

Oh, gosh, sorry about the 1900/90s typo. Hope that didn't throw anyone off.

However, wasn't it Jesus who said "The last shall be first and the worst instincts shall be the best?"

I may be getting that quotation a bit mangled, but regardless, the Fractured One has gone with his evangelical gut and come up covered in glory! Yes, it was Billy Graham's ANGELS: GOD'S SECRET AGENTS which so transfixed the public. Mike's past as a traveling preacher and vendor of Doctor Hackly's Blessed Tonic & Supplemental Water has served him well.

A short, sweet quiz, which allows us all to return to our cages in time for lunch...

Posted by: BT on April 11, 2003 10:58 AM

But I just got here!

And my cage needs fresh newspaper...

Posted by: Jonathan on April 11, 2003 11:29 AM

(the DHBT&SW also does a suprisingly good job lining cages. I know, liquid-solid, it's a freaking miracle, ok?)

am I the first winner to not know they'd won for 24 hours? Hey, where'd everyone go?

Posted by: hackly_fracture on April 12, 2003 11:50 AM