''Pocket Ref'' is a general-purpose pocket-sized

reference book A reference work is a work, such as a paper, book or periodical (or their electronic equivalents), to which one can refer for information. The information is intended to be found quickly when needed. Such works are usually ''referred'' to f ...

composed of various tips, tables, maps, formulas, constants and conversions, compiled by Thomas J. Glover. It is published by Sequoia Publishing, and is currently in its fourth edition at 864 pages in length, released in late 2010. It contains references, tables, and instructional guides on such varied subjects as automotive repair; carpentry and construction; chemistry and physics; computers; physical, chemical, and mathematical constants; electronics; money and measurement conversions; advanced first aid; glue, solvents, paints, and finishes; hardware; mine, mill, and aggregate; plumbing; zip codes; rope, cable, and knots; steel and metals; surveying and mapping; and various other topics. The ''Pocket Ref'' has been featured on the television series ''

MythBusters ''MythBusters'' is a science entertainment television program, developed by Peter Rees and produced by Australia's Beyond Television Productions. The series premiered on the Discovery Channel on January 23, 2003. It was broadcast internatio ...

''. In the "

Shop 'til You Drop ''Shop 'til You Drop'' is an American game show that was on the air intermittently between 1991 and 2005. Four different series were produced during that time, with the first premiering on Lifetime on July 8, 1991, and the fourth series airing it ...

" episode, Adam Savage noted that "nearly everyone" had asked him about the little black book. The book can sometimes be found imprinted with the name of a store or other third party on its front cover. Although the ''Pocket Ref'' is printed on very thin paper, its page count is still limited by the publisher's desire for it to fit in an average shirt pocket, so a more comprehensive work, at 1280 pages, ''DeskRef'', has been published. Other books by Glover include ''Pocket PC Ref'', ''Deskref'', ''Handyman In-Your-Pocket'', ''Pocket Do It Yourself Source'', ''Measure for Measure'' and ''Tech Ref''. Comparable books include ''AutoRef'' by Glover's sometimes-coauthor Richard A. Young, and ''Pocket Partner'' "a comprehensive collection of vital information for law enforcement personnel" by Dennis Evers.

Reception

Nick Stockton, writing for '' Wired'', included it in their list of favourites.

References

External links

Pocket Ref - Sequoia Publishing
Single-volume general reference works 1989 non-fiction books 2010 non-fiction books {{ref-book-stub