The Encyclopedia Bananica©

Everything you ever wanted to know,
but were afraid to ask . . .

This parody of the Encyclopedia Britannica, has been in the works for 25 years.  The majority of the materials in this yet-to-be published book; newspaper and magazine articles, photos, artworks, posters, postcards advertising and many 3-dimensional objects (from banana flavoured toothpaste to banana shaped pot holders) have been sent by individuals participating in the International Mail Art movement.  These materials have come largely from Canada, the USA, Australia, England and Europe, with a few contributions from Japan and South America.

Through this lengthy research process it has become apparent that the banana is a lot more than a tasty fruit snack.  The sociological and psychological implications are enormous, humorous, and highly entertaining.  The banana has permeated every aspect of contemporary life, as you can see from the chapter heads which follow:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Slanguage.
• Bananas in Show Biz/Music.
• Bananas & the Law.
• Bananas in Cartoons & comic strips.
• Tricks and Unusual Uses.
• Bananas in Literature (children's & adults)
• Art & Artists.
• Public Events - world's longest banana split, Banana Olympics, etc.
• Products - edible, inedible/pop culture.
• Banana personalities & businesses.
• Proof Positive that Germany is Going Bananas - parody psychological study.
• The Facts:  History, Growing, Marketing, nutrition, recipes.

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While the Bananica awaits connection with the publisher who can see and appreciate the vast appeal of this volume, we are still accepting material for inclusion.  After 29 years of research and collecting, most of the factual information regarding growing, marketing, nutrition and recipes has been covered.   However, we're always interested in news items that involve bananas, even if the banana is not the subject of the story.   For example - the robbery that was conducted using a banana inside a paper bag as a mock gun; any "slanguage" involving bananas, such as B.A.N.A.N.A - Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone.

Even if you think we may already have it, we're always interested to see who's using it, where it appears, etc.  The name and date of the newspaper or magazine in which it appeared is appreciated.  We're also interested in your personal anecdotes; family stories or history that involves bananas.  Please mail your contributions, such as anecdotes, news clippings, jokes, photos, etc., together with a S.A.S.E. (from the USA enclose an IRC - International Reply Coupon, from your post office) to: