Taking readers on a global journey through human history, Natasha Tidd examines how lies can change the world around us, from Julius Caesar’s deceptive PR machine to the cover-ups that caused Chernobyl.From forgeries that created centuries worth of conflict and domination, such as The Donation of Constantine, the Protocols of Zion and the mysterious Testament of Peter the Great, to mass political and press cover-ups including Britain’s Boer War concentration camps, a Pulitzer Prize-winning whitewash of the Ukraine Famine and the infamous Dreyfus Affair in France.Alongside these are examinations of how our retellings of history can turn fiction into fact, including The Spanish Inquisition’s deceitful legacy. Plus, there is an in-depth look at how historic lies can still impact our lives today, such as the deadly legacy of America’s Tuskegee Experiment.Meet incredible people, including Jeanne de Clisson who became the fourteenth century's most feared pirate – all because of a lie.A Short History of the World in 50 Lies details the profound impact of this secretive side of history and shows that the truth really is stranger – and far more dangerous – than any fiction.Other books in the series:A Short History of the World in 50 Places (9781789291971)A Short History of the World in 50 Animals (9781789292954)A Short History of the World in 50 Books (9781789294088)A Short History of the World in 50 Failures (9781789296938) Read more

History is a rich, varied and fascinating subject, so it's rare to find the whole lot in one book ... until now. The History of the World in Bite-Sized Chunks pulls it all together, from the world's earliest civilizations in 3500 BC to the founding of the United Nations in 1945, passing by the likes of Charlemagne, the Ottoman Empire and the Crimean War, to name a few.Here's your chance to introduce yourself to the full spectrum of world history, and discover just how the modern world came to be. Read more

Explore the places that time forgot. These abandoned, mysterious, sleeping monuments around the world have been relegated to the margins of history. From ancient ruins and crumbling castles to more recent relics – an art deco New York subway station, a Soviet ghost town in the Arctic Circle, a flooded Thai mall teeming with aquatic life – Travis Elborough takes you on a journey into these strange, overlooked, and disappearing worlds and immortalizes them in this book of original maps, accompanied by moving historic and geographic accounts of each site. The featured locations are a stark reminder of what was, and the accounts in this investigative book help to bring their stories back to life, telling us what happened, when and why, and to whom. The book features 40 sites, including: Santa Claus, Arizona, USA: A festive tourist resort-turned-ghost town deep in the desert where you could once meet Santa Claus any day of the year; Crystal Palace Subway, London, UK: One of the city’s best-kept secrets is an underground, cathedral-like relic that many Victorian commuters bustled through; Montserrat, West Indies: The small Caribbean island with a population of 5,000 that was evacuated when its volcano erupted in 1995. The volcano is still active, and nearly half the island remains a designated exclusion zone; Balaklava Submarine Base, Crimea: The former top-secret Soviet submarine base that was kept off all official maps and known as Object 825 GTS; Volterra Psychiatric Hospital, Tuscany, Italy: Once dubbed ‘the place of no return’, this long-closed lunatic asylum once housed 6,000 patients who were never allowed to leave. From eerie ghost towns to epic undersea monuments, armchair travelers and adventure seekers will be captivated by this curious atlas of strange and surreal abandoned sites across the world. It follows on from the success of the award-winning title Atlas of Vanishing Places, and forms part of an atlas series that offers lesser-known histories of hidden, fascinating locations worldwide.Also in the Unexpected Atlas series: Atlas of Improbable Places, Atlas of Untamed Places, Atlas of the Unexpected and Atlas of Vanishing Places (WINNER Illustrated Book of the Year - Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2020). Read more

Want to impress your buddies at the bar? Need to think of something interesting to do at the next family gathering? Want to learn a bunch of random facts about history, science, true crime, and the paranormal?Pick up Interesting Stories for Curious People, the ultimate guidebook for a plethora of interesting facts about a whole bunch of several different topics. A quick read packed with information from cover to cover.Here you will find out:How did a Frenchman successfully use a spontaneous combustion defense during a murder trial?How did a German teenager help end the Cold War?Why did some really smart guys think foam houses would be the wave of the future?What is a chupacabra and why are there two of them?Did Cleopatra really die from a snake bite?You’ll be glued to the pages of this book reading interesting fact after interesting fact as Interesting Stories for Curious People brings you the in-depth knowledge of some things you may have heard about and always wondered, but now will learn the truth. You’ll finally be able to separate fact from fiction and will be surprised to learn that some of the things you’ve been told, even by your teachers, was just plain wrong!Whether you are a trivia maven or just a person who likes to learn new things, you’ll learn something new and find yourself entertained as you discover some of the most fascination criminals, ghost stories, strange habits of historical figures, and just weird things that are a part of our world. So open this book and your mind and see another side of things that you may not know existed. Read more

From an award-winning author!Following the success of my trivia website, RaiseYourBrain, I published several award‑winning compilations of hard‑to‑believe facts that have reached hundreds of thousands of readers. One of the chapters in each trivia book was “Disturbing Facts about Our World”.In 2020, I filled an entire volume with facts about upsetting crimes and mayhem, combined with unbelievable yet real instances of misfortune and misery. This was a book where grim examples of bigotry and hypocrisy were intertwined with amusing stories of bad luck. Accordingly, I dedicated a whole chapter to COVID-19 trivia alongside other weird medical conditions. The book was received so well that now you hold in your hands the second instalment. I promise, it will shake you to your core!I am well aware that many readers might be overwhelmed by the condensed negativity, but hey… a fact is a fact! Continue to read if you appreciate trivia like:Men google how to enlarge their penis more often than how to make an omelette.In Japan, more people died from committing suicide in 2020 and 2021 than from COVID-19.In 2004, the Botswana transport minister urged people to commit suicide by hanging and not by throwing themselves in front of a train.Cows can sleep standing but only dream when lying on the ground.Sick people have a higher probability of dying if they are aware that many people are praying for them.The chainsaw was originally introduced to help during childbirth.When self-driving cars become mainstream, dead people will occasionally arrive at their destination—those who will have died on their journey.If you win the lottery jackpot, you have an increased chance of being murdered by a family member.In 2020, an Austrian man was fined for “intentionally farting on a policeman” in Vienna.However incredible these pieces of trivia might sound, all entries have been verified and fact-checked. Read more

Inspiring urban explorers and armchair travellers alike to consider a new way of understanding the world we live in, this unique atlas shows you the modern world from surprising new vantage points. Hidden lairs beneath layers of rock, forgotten cities rising out of deserted lands and even mankind's own feats of engineering eccentricity lie in the most unusual of destinations. Go in search of the obscure and bizarre, the beautiful and estranged, taking in the defiant relics of ancient cities such as Ani, a once thriving metropolis lost to conquered lands, and the church tower of San Juan Parangaricuto, that miraculously stands as the sole survivor of a town sunk by lava. Through the labyrinths of Berlin and Beijing — underground realms dug for refuge, espionage and even, as Canada's Moose Jaw, used as the playground for gangsters trading liquor and money over cards — never forgetting the freaks and wonders of nature's own unusual masterpieces: the magical underground river shaped like a dragon's mouth in the Philippines and the floating world of Palmerston. With beautiful maps and stunning photography illustrating each destination, Atlas of Improbable Places is a fascinating voyage to the world's most incredible destinations. As the Island of Dolls and the hauntingly titled Door to Hell — an inextinguishable fire pit - attest, mystery is never far away. The truths and myths behind their creation are as varied as the destinations themselves. Standing as symbols of worship, testaments to kingships or even the strange and wonderful traditions of old and new, these curious places are not just extraordinary sights but reflections on man's own relationship with the world around us.Also in the Unexpected Atlas series: Atlas of Untamed Places,Atlas of the Unexpected, Atlas of Vanishing Places. Read more

SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION OF THE BOOK THAT HAS SOLD OVER 100,000 COPIESTwitter hero James Felton brings you the painfully funny history of Britain you were never taught at school, fully illustrated and chronicling 52 of the most ludicrous, weird and downright 'baddie' things we Brits* have done to the world since time immemorial - before conveniently forgetting all about them, of course. Including:- Starting wars with China when they didn't buy enough of our class A drugs- Inventing a law so we didn't have to return objects we'd blatantly stolen from other countries- Casually creating muzzles for women- Almost going to war over a crime committed by a pig- And a brand new chapter just for the paperback!52 TIMES BRITAIN WAS A BELLEND: AN ELECTION YEAR SPECIAL will complete your knowledge of this sceptred isle in ways you never expected. So if you've ever wondered how we put the 'Great' in 'Great Britain', wonder no more . . .*And when we say British, for the most part we unfortunately just mean the English. Read more

Cryptids and Cryptozoology : Unleash the Legends!Step into a world of shadowy forests, deep lakes, and icy mountain peaks where the lines between reality and myth blur. Cryptids and Cryptozoology: Spine-Chilling Encounters with Bigfoot, the Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster, and Other Legendary Beasts is your guide to exploring the unexplainable. Whether you're a sceptic or a devoted believer, this thrilling compendium promises to immerse you in the strange, the mysterious, and the terrifying.Why Cryptids and Cryptozoology Will Grip YouCryptozoology is where fact and folklore collide. This book isn't just_about monsters-it's about the enduring human fascination with the creatures that haunt our imaginations. With captivating stories, historic sightings, and incredible facts, every page pulls you deeper into the mysteries of cryptids.Meet the Icons of Mystery: From Bigfoot prowling the Pacific Northwest to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster and the chilling Chupacabra, uncover the stories behind the most famous cryptidsExplore Unforgettable Encounters: Relive extraordinary events like the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film, the Ape Canyon attack, and the strange sightings of Mothman in Point Pleasant.Unravel the Hoaxes: Learn about notorious fabrications like the Fiji Mermaid and the quirky Jackalope, and discover how deception has shaped cryptozoology.Global Lore: From the Antarctic Ningen to the Congolese Mokele-mbembe, experience the international scope of cryptid legends.Fun Facts Galore: Enjoy a treasure trove of strange trivia about cryptid hunters, odd phenomena, and mythical creatures that might just be realWhat Lurks InsideEach chapter of Cryptids and Cryptozoology is a thrilling dive into a specific category of creatures:The Roots of Cryptozoology: Discover how the study of cryptids began and why even animals like the platypus were once thought to be hoaxes.The Big Names: Meet the titans of cryptozoology, including Bigfoot, the Yeti, and Nessie, through detailed accounts and evidence.Humanoid Mysteries: Encounter eerie beings like the Jersey Devil, the stick-like Fresno Nightcrawler, and the otherworldly Mothman.Aquatic Terrors: Dive into tales of water-dwelling cryptids like the Ogopogo, Champ, and the monstrous Kraken.Flying Creatures: Take to the skies with cryptids such as the Thunderbird, Ropen, and the volcanic Batsquatch.Reptilian and Arthropod Cryptids: From the scaly Mongolian Death Worm to the oversized Giant Spiders of the Congo, explore the creatures that send shivers down your spine.The Cryptid Vault of Horrors: Brave the most chilling entities, like the Wendigo, Black Shuck, and the Beast of Bray Road.And so much more_!Who Should Read This Book?Are you a fan of mysteries, monsters, or mythology? This book is perfect for cryptozoology enthusiasts, folklore lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good scare.Why Wait? Start Your Cryptid Adventure Today!Cryptids and Cryptozoology is an invitation to become a modern-day explorer, chasing after creatures that defy explanation. The thrill of the hunt, the shock of the sightings, and the chill of the unknown are all awaiting you within these pages.Order your copy now and dare to uncover the truth behind the myths. Will you believe the legends, or will you dismiss them as mere stories? Only one way to find out-if you're brave enough! Read more

Want to impress your friends and family with both useful, worthless but undeniably interesting facts?Then Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture and Everything in Between is the book for you!In this book you’ll find the answers to questions such as:When did zero become a number?Who was the inventor of Bitcoin?What did the Big Bang sound like?How have sports changed around the world?What’s a malapropism?Interesting Facts For Curious Minds gives you the answer to all these and many, many more questions that I know have crossed your mind from time to time. This book is divided into 63 chapters by topic for your convenience, bringing you a nice mix of science, history, pop culture, and all sorts of stuff in between. Each chapter contains 25 concise yet engaging factoids that are sure to make you think and at times laugh.How you read this book is entirely up to you. I’m sure most of you will read it cover to cover at some point, but when you’re with friends and family you can pick the chapters out that most appeal to all of you.However you read this book, I guarantee you’ll find it one of the best tools to pass some time, relax alone, or connect with others. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some truly interesting facts! Read more

After the phenomenal success of Steve Wright’s Book of Factoids, Steve returns with Further Factoids, bringing together the weirdest and most extraordinary factoids from BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright in the Afternoon.Steve Wright, one of nation's favourite DJs, is a man with a brain the size of a small planet. Unfortunately for him, this brain appears to be filled with trivia that would make Magnus Magnuson green with envy. Fortunately for us, he has decided to let his brain gush out into another hilarious, fascinating and informative compendium of strange and bizarre facts from around the world.For example, did you know that:• Worcestershire sauce is basically anchovy ketchup?• They add liquid detergent to our favourite bevvy in beer commercials to make it foam more?• Austria was the first country ever to use postcards?• A hippo can open its mouth wide enough to fit Little Ant and Dec inside?Bringing together more of the strangest and most hilarious factoids from Steve's show, he provides explanations, commentary and anecdotes to enhance this entertaining collection of hundreds of fun facts. Read more

"The Unexplained: Paranormal Encounters in the UK" is an engaging and comprehensive book that delves into some of the most intriguing unexplained phenomena in the United Kingdom.Authoritative and thoroughly researched, this book explores a wide range of sightings, from ghostly apparitions to unidentified flying objects, and from legendary creatures such as the Loch Ness Monster and The Beast of Bodmin to lesser-known cryptids that have been reported in the UK.The UK has a long and fascinating history of paranormal encounters, from the ghostly apparitions that haunt ancient castles to the mysterious lights in the sky that have baffled UFO researchers for decades. In this spine-tingling book, The Unexplained: Paranormal Encounters in the UK, Nathan Lockley explores some of the most haunted places, UFO sightings, and cryptids around the country.From the infamous Tower of London to the eerie streets of Pluckley village, Kent, he delves into the dark history of the UK's most haunted locations. He also examines the most compelling UFO sightings over the years, from the Rendlesham Forest Incident to the mysterious sightings in Warminster. And he also explores the world of cryptids, from the legendary Loch Ness Monster to the mysterious Big Cats that are said to roam the British countryside.Featuring gripping witness encounters, and an in-depth look into the legends surrounding the sightings, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the paranormal and the unexplained. Whether you're a believer or a sceptic, "The Unexplained: Paranormal Encounters in the UK" is a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries that lie just beyond the limits of our understanding. Read more

Have you ever wanted to know everything there is to know about serial killers?Ever pondered the differences between psychopaths and sociopaths?Want to know exactly why cannibals eat human flesh?Want to read about the most downright bizarre serial killer motivations of all time?What jobs attract the most serial killers? How many uncaptured murderers are walking our streets right this second? How do female killers differ from males? What deluded maniac killed people because he thought it would stop earthquakes? What movie franchise has inspired the most copycat murders?The Ultimate Serial Killer Trivia Book answers all these questions and much, much more!Featuring obscure serial killer trivia you’ll struggle to find anywhere else.Up-to-date information on active serial killers and ongoing murder cases.11 distinct categories, from The Psychopathic Mind to Serial Killing Cannibals to Killers Inspired By MediaEerily fascinating trivia pieces regarding famous serial killers and obscure murderers you’ve never heard of.Succinct information on psychopaths, killer kids, occult serial killers, murderous doctors, cannibals, necrophiles and the world’s strangest ever murders.The public’s obsession with serial killers and weird murders is growing by the day, with more TV shows, movies and books now detailing the crimes of these human monsters. There’s no denying that we’re all fascinated by serial murder – it’s part of the human experience.Whether you’re fanatical about true crime or brand new to the genre, The Ultimate Serial Killer Trivia Book has something for everyone. Even the most hardened true crime buff will find some new information here!Are you ready? Read more

Did you know that there are one million earthworms in an acre of soil, or that an average American eats 10 pounds of marshmallows in a year? Did you know that the act of yawning and stretching at the same time is known as pandiculation? These facts, and hundreds more in a wide variety of subjects including history, science, sports, music and more, make Hmm...I Did Not Know That a must read for trivia buffs and fact fanatics. Read more

A charming, gorgeously illustrated botanical encyclopedia for your favorite romantic, local witch, bride-to-be, or green-thumbed friend.Floriography is a full-color guide to the historical uses and secret meanings behind an impressive array of flowers and herbs. The book explores the coded significances associated with various blooms, from flowers for a lover to flowers for an enemy.The language of flowers was historically used as a means of secret communication. It soared in popularity during the 19th century, especially in Victorian England and the U.S., when proper etiquette discouraged open displays of emotion. Mysterious and playful, the language of flowers has roots in everything from the characteristics of the plant to its presence in folklore and history. Researched and illustrated by popular artist Jessica Roux, this book makes a stunning display piece, conversation-starter, or thoughtful gift. Read more

Want to impress your friends at your next get-together?Need to think of something interesting to do at the next family gathering?Want to learn a bunch of mind-blowing stories about history, science, true crime, and the paranormal?Pick up Interesting Stories for Curious People Volume 2, your ultimate source of interesting facts about a wide range of diverse topics. This book is truly a quick read packed with information from cover to cover.Here you will find out:Was martial arts expert and action film star Bruce Lee the victim of a curse?How did the guillotine become France’s execution method?What is the Mokele-mbeme?Did famous American bank robber John Dillinger survive his shootout with the FBI?Do some people have a natural immunity to HIV/AIDs?Interesting Stories for Curious People is not some boring book packed with useless facts, but is an engaging reference guide that brings to life some of the strangest and most fascinating aspects of our planet, and beyond!The book is designed for the busy person, so you can pick up it at your convenience, read a quick story, and then go about your business.Whether you just like to learn new things that aren’t normally taught in school, of if you’re honing your skills for trivia challenges, you’ll definitely find this book entertaining and useful.Some of these stories are ripped from the headlines, while others come from the history books, and some are just weird, but you’re sure to find plenty in here that will keep you reading! Read more

Step into a world of wonder and discovery with ‘3001 Unusual Facts, Funny True Stories, and Odd Trivia’ by Jim Green!As part of the Books for Curious Kids series, its packed to the brim with fun facts about history, science & nature, the most famous and eccentric characters from the past and much, much more. Get ready to embark on an epic journey filled with jaw-dropping trivia and mind-boggling fun facts for boys and girls that will leave you amazed!From the ancient civilizations of Egypt to the medieval knights of Europe, discover interesting history facts kids will find captivating. Learn about the weird and wonderful world around us, and become a walking encyclopaedia of fun facts about our planet and its many inhabitants. Be the envy of your friends and a fountain of knowledge to impress your classmates!FACT #690 of 3001There is a species of Jellyfish that is biologically immortal, it does not age or die naturally and left alone could live forever, but are mostly killed by other sea creatures.FACT #803 of 3001The moon is gradually slowing the rotation of Earth, by around 1.4 milliseconds every 100 years. During the time of dinosaurs, days were only around 23 hours long.FACT #1671 of 3001California is the closest US state to Hawaii, but Hawaii is the furthest US state from California! FACT #2489 of 3001There was once an airline flight that took off in 2016 and landed in 2015, due to it crossing international time zonesWritten in fun and light-hearted way using simple words children can understand, this exciting book of random facts for kids is bursting at the seams with fun facts guaranteed to ignite curiosity and spark the imagination of young minds.From the depths of history to wonders of the natural world, prepare to be amazed by fun facts for teens and children of all ages.So what are you waiting for? Join the adventure today and dive into the wonderful world of ‘3001 Unusual Facts, Funny True Stories, and Odd Trivia’. Who knows what amazing discoveries await you? Get ready to laugh, learn, and be amazed as you explore the fascinating world around you, every page turn is an adventure!Fun facts book for kids age 7 years and above.2024 Read more

From an award-winning author!This book is full of fun and verified facts and questions, presented in an accessible manner that I hope will provide you with hours of entertainment. My objective has been to provide you with a lifetime supply of icebreakers and points of discussion. Amaze your friends and family by telling them that left-handedness used to be outlawed in Albania or that if you drive south from Detroit, USA, you will end up in Canada.Following the success of my trivia website www.RaiseYourBrain.com, I published a number of trivia books, which have been read by hundreds of thousands of people and accumulated thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon and GoodReads.This instalment of the series is unique in combining trivia bits with questions and answers, neatly grouped in thematic chapters. The questions paired with answers can be readily used for quizzing your buddies with or without occasion.The present book is a result of years of sifting through history and reference books, as well as searching the Internet and researching the news. Each entry is suitable for nearly any age – even the “spiciest” entries use clean language!Become a trivia whiz with even more facts in the Trivia and Quizzes series! Read more

Sh!t happens. Every day. Mae West was sent to jail for “corrupting the morals of youth” with her first Broadway play. When participation in the Hitler Youth became mandatory in Germany, groups of teen “pirates” rebelled. Muhammad Ali refused to “drop bombs and bullets on brown people” in Vietnam. A dog sled relay carried life-saving medicine 674 miles through –50 temperatures to rescue children dying from diphtheria. The Dionne Quintuplets were stolen by the Canadian government and displayed like zoo animals for profit. Indian princess Noor Inayat Khan was one of the most successful spies against the Nazis in World War II. A children’s television show called Caillou tortured parents for more than a decade . . . Sh!t goes down every single day of the year, year after year. Sometimes it’s a battle that changes the course of history, other times it’s a life-saving medical advancement. Bravery is counter-balanced with cowardice. There is slavery and there is self-sacrifice. History is replete with deeds both noble and despicable. Some were motivated by greed, others generosity. Many dedicated themselves to the art of killing, while others focused their efforts on curing. There have been grave mistakes and moments of greatness. Confrontation and cooperation. Early in the twentieth century Spanish philosopher George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” But history serves not just as a warning; it also offers encouragement. Humanity is not endless suck. There is inspiration to be found amidst the atrocities. On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down will significantly expand your knowledge of world history in the most hilarious and profane way possible. Read more

Award-winning author: 2020 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal***Following the success of my trivia website RaiseYourBrain, I published several award-winning compilations of hard-to-believe facts that have reached hundreds of thousands of readers. One of the chapters in each trivia book was “Disturbing Facts about Our World”. I decided to fill an entire volume with facts about upsetting crimes and mayhem, combined with unbelievable yet real instances of misfortune and misery. This is a book where grim examples of bigotry and hypocrisy are intertwined with amusing stories of bad luck. In the spirit of the times we live in, I dedicated a whole chapter to COVID-19 trivia and weird medical conditions.I am well aware that many potential readers might be overwhelmed by the condensed negativity, but hey… a fact is a fact!Continue to read if you are curious to learn:Why were the trousers of New Zealand’s farmers exploding?What is the depressing origin of the phrase “Hip Hip, Hooray”?Why did the Spanish Habsburgs royal family sleep with human mummies?Why was it legal in Iceland until 2015 to kill Basque people?Who was the “Deep Throat” informer from the Watergate scandal?How many people were killed trying to cross the notorious Berlin Wall?Why do snakes make a better pet than cats or dogs?How can millipedes cause a train crash?What is the etymology of “thug”?What are the chances of getting killed by rubbish falling from space?How did polygamist men in Kuwait manage to visit all their wives during the coronavirus lockdown?However incredible these pieces of trivia might sound, all entries have been verified and fact-checked. Read more

As the title suggests, The Huge Book Of Bizarre Facts, contains a huge list of bizarre and awesome facts about the world that we live in. The facts range from the craziest events to the funniest people. The Huge Book Of Awesome Facts is packed with interesting, entertaining, educational and fun things to read. You'll get everything from the weird to the wonderful and from the horrible to the hilarious. Facts such as: The idea of a mafia godfather was invented by “The Godfather's” author Mario Puzo, but following the film's success, it was adopted by actual mobsters. The main difference between bread and cake is the protein content of the flour used. Read more