"Managing a Dental Practice: The Genghis Khan Way" by Michael R. Young won the not-always-coveted prize on Friday.
It beat finalists including "8th International Friction Stir Welding Symposium Proceedings" and romance novel "The Italian's One-Night Love Child."
Organizers said the winning book took more than half the votes in an online ballot.
The prize, run by trade magazine The Bookseller, was founded in 1978.
Its rules say the books must be serious and their titles not merely a gimmick.
Previous champions include "Living With Crazy Buttocks" and "Bombproof Your Horse."
