I learned more about Harvard reading this wonderful book than I did during my years there as a student! Whether or not one attended said university, the reader will find that 'trivial' facts can be fascinating, amusing and enlightening.

-- Jack Lemmon, actor, class of 1947

In what novel does a Harvard undergraduate plunge down a toilet bowl after a lost harmonica? Which Harvard graduate read briefly from his works on "Saturday Night Live" in November 1981? Which Harvard president was embarrassed by a sister who smoked cigars? For what was William Randolph Hearts expelled from Harvard? Which Radcliffe graduate's first film role had her acting opposite Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty? If a 17th-century Harvard student didn't like beer for breakfast, his only alternative was what? Were Harvard students ever taught that the sun revolves around the earth?

Why does the Unofficial Book of Harvard Trivia, by David J. Loftus, cost $7.95? Why can you buy it only at places like Out of Town News in Cambridge and Paperback Booksmith stores? Why is it that just when you've decided to give up trivia forever, you decide maybe there's room for just one more portion? Is trivia addictive? Could someone at Harvard please find out?

-- The Boston Phoenix, Dec. 31, 1985

The fact that the book mainly deals with Harvard University rather than the graduate schools shouldn't discourage anybody from buying it; the book is funny and interesting in itself. Although most of us do not have a lot of day-to-day contact with Harvard College, we are a part of the Harvard community, and this book is a great way to learn more about Harvard's history and its alumni.

-- Alex Mollen, The Harbus News [Harvard Business School newspaper], January 27, 1986

What is surprising about "Harvard Trivia," after leafing through a few of its subject chapters, however, is how much of Harvard is not only very interesting but of real historical import. ... Obviously "Harvard Trivia" will be of chief interest to those who have gained from or despised their experience with the college. But I find the book makes excellent copy for the bathroom bookrack, both for enjoyable relief from the boredom that often besets that area of the home and to impress guests who have the opportunity to visit there as well.

-- Lou Fournier, The Washington Times, February 20, 1986

[Several items from the book were cited by Los Angeles Times Arts Editor and longtime film critic Charles Champlin, Harvard class of 1947, in his "Critic at Large" column for September 11, 1986]