The Order of Things: How hierarchies help us make sense of the world

A fascinating miscellany of the many and diverse hierarchies of the world, from governments, gangs and gladiators to sports, science and secret societies, via armies, ants and angels

As a species, we do a fine, fastidious job of introducing hierarchies, pecking orders and ranks to every aspect of our lives. Knowing what and who stands where and why in the ultimate order of things helps us, quite literally, to put them into context, establishing priorities and bringing order to our world.

Who is more senior in a Chinese triad, a White Paper Fan or a Red Pole? What trumps a Straight Flush in poker? What is a Royal Peculiar and where does it stand in the hierarchy of the Church of England?

All these questions and many more are answered in this informative book that marries our collective love of lists, order and meaning.