Balmaceda immerses himself in the year of the country’s centenary to tell in his accessible, engaging style the incredible stories that took place during the lavish celebrations, including the birth of taxis, ambulances, turnstiles and even a device to determine whether a love will be requited.

We have got used to being surprised by Daniel Balmaceda and yet his tales still amaze us. One hundred years ago the cotton candy arrived in the country and became the fashionable sweet. Other new arrivals were powdered soap, telephone switchboards, Charolais cows, Emperor penguins and aeroplanes. The author assures us that he has never had so much fun writing a book and anyone reading it will be sure to enjoy his historical excursions just as much.