In his introduction to The Definitive Guide To The Best And Worst Of Everything, Les Krantz defends the trivia collection's right to exist: "You never know what cocktail party you can use these gems at." He goes on to denounce other, more famous lists as journalistic fluff, and proclaims his guide to be both practical and scientifically sound. The resulting volume is the usual tossed salad of useless facts and opinions, spiced up only by Krantz's tortured quest to be definitive. In the interest of science, the author has achieved the impossible: He's made the top-10 list indecipherable. His methodology for determining the Greatest American Writers, 1980-1990, for instance, consists of a bizarre points system which ties Stephen King and James Michener for sixth place with a score of 64. Divided into People, Places and Things, lists are arranged alphabetically, and the lack of some guiding theme is not as eclectic as it is annoying. Attempts at hipness also fall flat, as in the blurb preceding the Most Dangerous Links, which warns golfers about "high-caliber excitement when the Crips versus the Bloods trouble flares" on the Compton Par 3. In the case of this guide, definitive means not only dull and disorganized, but also redundant. Trivia-bombarded readers will already be aware of many of Krantz's painstakingly researched facts, and will likely dispute his "expert" opinions. Party guests are advised to stay two drinks ahead of bores who have helped themselves to this treasure chest of knowledge. It could be a long night.