This Crazy World Combo: Stupid History & Beyond Coincidence

Experience how strange and intriguing life can be with these fascinating titles that will surprise and delight with every page.

Includes:

Stupid History: Tales of Stupidity, Strangeness, and Mythconceptions Throughout the Ages

Why exactly is Paul Revere revered? Was the lightbulb really Thomas Edison's bright idea? Best-selling author Leland Gregory employs his masterful wit to expose historical myths, faux "facts," strange events, and tales of human stupidity throughout history.

If it would shock you to learn that Benjamin Franklin didn't discover electricity, you'll appreciate this take on hundreds of historical legends and debacles. Historians and humorists alike may be surprised to learn that:

-Samuel Prescott made the famous horseback ride into Concord, not Paul Revere.

-As a member of Parliament, Isaac Newton spoke only once. He asked for an open window.

-On April 24, 1898, Spain declared war on the U.S., thus starting the Spanish-American War. The U.S. declared war the very next day, but not wanting to be outdone, had the date on the declaration changed from April 25 to April 21. With these and many other stories, leading humorist Leland Gregory once again highlights both the strange and the funny side of humankind.

320 pages.

Beyond Coincidence: Amazing Stories of Coincidence and the Mystery Behind Them

Ever wonder what the odds are of being struck by lightening twice? Or winning the lottery? Or meeting someone from Timbuktu with the same name as you? Then brace yourself, because you're in for a fantastic trip into the weird world of bizarre coincidences that will leave you mind-boggled and stupefied! This is a collection of stories that is sure to enthrall any discussion group and have them begging for more.

"Beyond Coincidence" recounts and analyzes more than two hundred amazing stories of synchronicity, the likes of:

-Laura Buxton, age ten, releases a balloon from her backyard. It lands 140 miles away in the backyard of another Laura Buxton, also age ten.

-Two sisters in Alabama decide, independently, to visit the other. En route, their identical jeeps collide and both sisters are killed.

-The winning number in the evening drawing of the New York Lottery three-digit " numbers" game on September 11, 2002 is 9-1-1.

From magic and religion to subatomic particles and the laws of probability, "Beyond Coincidence" deeply explores the roots of luck, odds, and circumstance while telling amazing stories that will have you shaking your head.

263 pages.