Who is Cliff?: A History of CliffsNotes

Book Riot ^ | 5/31/16 | Elizabeth Allen

[DallasBiff]

Alright, real talk.

I know most of you reading this have likely always been relatively bookish. You were probably in your high school’s AP class, loved summer reading assignments, and were thrilled when you got to show off your knowledge of Dickens, Chaucer or Shakespeare. I mean, you’re spending your free time reading a website called Book Riot. But, let’s be honest…

You TOTALLY used CliffsNotes at one point. You know it, I know it, and (sorry to inform you of this, but) your teacher knew it as well.

Whether it was to supplement your knowledge of a book for a test or to fake your way through an entire thesis paper, you possessed at least one copy of that iconic yellow and black book. You clarified plot points that you didn’t quite get (or completely glossed over), you discovered symbolism that you didn’t previously see (can’t a red hat just be a red hat, Holden?), and you searched for interesting insights that would be sure to impress your teacher.

[DallasBiff]

Ok who used Cliffs Notes, for a book report in the 70's and 80'. I will be the first to raise my hand.

Back then the Walden's Book store(what's that now), their lower magazine rack was filled with Cliffs Notes. The founder Cliff became rich.

Have fun and Happy New Year to all.

[Dr. Sivana]

I didn’t really used them. Monarch Notes were more popular in Connecticut in the ‘70s.

I did a lot of skimming in order to get the same effect, or asked classmates who actually read the material.

After 25 pages of Moby Dick, I knew that book wasn’t for me.

[lefty-lie-spy]

I couldn’t be bothered with even Cliff’s Notes for horrible reading assignments. I just took the D.

[Jamestown1630]

I never used them; but I have one somewhere - I thought it would be useful if I ever tackled ‘Moby Dick’.

[DFG]

Clifton K. Hillegass was a college dropout and was 40 years old when he and his wife started the business in the basement of their house in Lincoln, Nebraska. Began with 16 guides for Shakespeare works written by graduate students. Sold 58,000 copies in their first year in business.

[MplsSteve]

I admit it.

I used Cliff’s Notes for several classes - especially one in English Literature. At the time (and probably so today), there was nothing more mind-numbing than Shakespeare’s “Sonnets”.

I’m pretty sure I used Cliff’s notes for other scintillating epics like “Beowulf” or “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”.

I recall an advisory on the first page that said that using Cliff’s Notes instead of reading the material would deprive you of knowledge and enjoyment - or something to that effect.

Well, consider me deprived then!

[xp38]

The original Coles notes from my high school years. Jack Cole sold the rights to Cliff Hillegass and the rest is history. Coles notes kept going up in the great white north. Cliff notes were the US versions. Time for another round of Blame Canada!

[BBQToadRibs2]

I leaned hard into them for two literature classes in college. 5 classes, 2 jobs, I stretched myself too thin for the amount of reading involved. They were enough to fill in the blanks from power skimming to keep up in class. 40 years later I have no idea what books they may have been, lol.

[Sacajaweau]

Definitely used Cliff Notes. I don't see the point in reading something you don't like. I made my own choices.

I enjoyed history bios...and at 80...I do Historical Research for local agencies.

[MMusson]

I went to school with Cliff’s niece and nephew: Rick and Jeanie Hilligas. They told me the story of their famous note taking Uncle.

[Red Badger]

I have never, ever used Cliff notes................I used National Lampoon...............

[Magnum44]

[Larry Lucido]

In the Cliff’s Notes version, Ahab and the whale become good friends.

[N. Theknow]

Always felt that Cliff Notes came up short.

[Responsibility2nd]

You TOTALLY used CliffsNotes at one point. You know it, I know it, and (sorry to inform you of this, but) your teacher knew it as well.

__________________________________________

WRONG! I knew what they were. May even have read portions of them once in awhile. But I never used them.

And so what if I did? It’s like using an encyclopedia back then or the internet today.

[sethro]

That’s a little known fact!

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Thanks SO MUCH for your Cliff’s Notes review of this article about Cliff’s Notes. You saved me a lot of time.

[Responsibility2nd]

I wasn't smart enough even for Cliff Notes. I had some help though.

from Imgflip Meme Generator

[Responsibility2nd]

Always felt that Cliff Notes came up short.

____________________________________

Mrs. Cliff Notes nods accordingly.

[reed13k]

I Actually never used them or any of the others that cropped up...though a lot of my classmates did.

Mainly because I was able to pick from a list and read what I liked. With the exception of the Shakespear stuff.