You might know a great deal about wine, but do you really know anything about the humble cork? When you're at an event and the subject arises, do you find yourself at an uncomfortable loss for words? I thought so.

Thankfully, Notorious Corks is all you need to inform yourself on this overlooked topic. Distinguished Cork Historian, Chad Crowe, has compiled an informative, humorous and questionably-true compendium of the world's most unstoppable stoppers: a rogue's gallery of corks for the history books. With lavish color photos and eruditely-written descriptions, you will be introduced to the little movers and shakers the mainstream world of wine has overlooked. Such as:

* Jose Mendoza: the cork on Che Guevara's Molotov cocktail.

* Kermit O'Leary: Unofficial cork of the San Francisco Flower Children.

* Dr. Khatia Rheinhessen: the Sex Doctor.

For the serious oenophile, wine lover, vintner, wino or history buff, it is simply shameful to not have this book prominently displayed on the coffee table or bookshelf. For the casual reader, this book just might be the ecstasy-inducing gateway drug to delve deeper into the mysterious world of wine and its fascinating corks. Those who don't own a copy? They'll be drinking Vinho Verde with envy. Knowledge is power - pour a glass and educate yourself on the world's most iconic stoppers.