The Know-It-All series is perfect for readers who are on a quest to learn as much as possible about a particular subject in a short amount of time. Each book dissects its topic into the 50 most significant ideas at its heart and explains them in 300 words and a picture. If one of these topics interests you, you can check out the Know-It-All guide from your local library:

Know-It-All Anthropology edited by Simon Underdown – Examines the roots of our common humanity, the diversity of cultures and world-views, the organization of social relations and practices, and future directions of the study of humankind.

Know-It-All Biology edited by Nick Battey & Mark Fellowes – Tackles the vital science of life, dissecting the major theories of our ecosystems and ourselves.

Know-It-All Chemistry edited by Nivaldo Tro – Brings the science of matter out of the lab and boils it down to its essential elements.

Know-It-All Classical Music edited by Dr. Joanne Cormac – A guide to understanding the creative journey taken by classical music from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Know-It-All Energy edited by Brian Clegg – Explores energy in all its forms, from the nuclear fusion reactor at the heart of the sun to the elusive dark energy which makes up most of the content of the universe.

Know-It-All Fashion edited by Rebecca Arnold – Provides an engrossing crash course of the modern fashion industry, from haute couture to high street, from catwalk to street style, and from glossy magazine to online blog.

Know-It-All Great Inventions edited by David Boyle – Traces 50 of mankind’s greatest inventions, from the wheel to in-home air conditioning, and tells their stories.

Know-It-All Jazz edited by Dave Gelly – Takes readers from jazz’s African-American roots all the way to the global mix of styles and performers in today’s jazz scene.

Know-It-All Medicine edited by Dr. Gabrielle M. Finn – Explores crucial milestones, treatments, and technologies in the history of health, from the first medicines to reconstructive surgeries with customized 3D-printed body parts.

Know-It-All Shakespeare edited by Ros Barber – Takes the reader through what we know of Shakespeare’s life and decodes key concepts, themes, and motifs in his works.

Know-It-All Whiskey edited by Charles MaClean – Demystifies the origins, history, production, and varieties of one of the world’s favorite spirits.

Know-It-All Wine edited by Gerard Basset – Introduces the technicalities of winemaking and the important grapes and iconic regions, offers an overview of the business of wine, and concludes with a section on the enjoyment of wine.