"Did a spider actually lay its eggs in a woman's face? Do alligators really live in the New York City sewers? Readers will be captivated by mysterious urban legends while also learning the facts about each claim. Which rumors hold a hint of truth and which claims are totally bonkers? Exciting, easy-to-read text and compelling images will keep struggling and reluctant readers alike flipping the pages to find out"--
From campfire classics that send shivers down the spine to the paranoia that followed the events of 9/11, this compelling book relates and then investigates the origins of urban myths.
A collection of oft-repeated urban legends brings together the best of modern myths, from the stoned baby sitter who mistook a baby for a turkey to the fabulously expensive recipe for chocolate chip cookies.
"If you enjoy these too-good-to-be-true tales, Brunvand's new book will give you hours of pleasure."—Chicago Tribune A fabulously entertaining book from the ultimate authority on those almost believable tales that always happen to a "friend of a friend." Alligators in the sewers? A pet in the microwave? A tragic misunderstanding of the function of cruise control? No, it didn't really happen to your friend's sister's neighbor: it's an urban legend. And no matter how savvy you think you are, you are sure to find in this collection of over 200 tales at least one story you would have sworn was true. Jan Harold Brunvand has been collecting and studying this modern folklore for over twenty years. In Too Good to Be True he captures the best stories in their best retellings, along with their latest variations and examples of how the stories have changed as they move from person to person and place to place. To help you find your favorite, Brunvand has arranged the tales thematically. "Bringing Up Baby" is full of episodes of child-rearing gone wrong, including the grisly tale of the drugged out baby-sitter who mistakes the kid for a turkey. "Funny Business" showcases stories of infamous lapses in customer service, such as the story of the shockingly expensive chocolate chip cookie recipe. And "The Criminal Mind" features both brilliant --if they were real --scams, as well as the purported antics of the less mentally gifted. Whether you want to become an expert debunker or just have plenty of laughs, this book will surprise and entertain you. Illustrated throughout. "Informative and entertaining.... Brunvand has collected more than 200 of the most-repeated and best-known examples of modern folk-myth."—Tampa Tribune "[N]ot only an entertaining anthology, but an excellent introduction to the study of folklore itself."—Publishers Weekly "A fun read... . All the classics are here from the killer upstairs to the Kentucky Fried Rat."—New City "Resonant stories that express our hidden anxieties ... make us laugh, [or] arouse our fascinated horror."—San Francisco Chronicle Book Review "Informative and entertaining... . Brunvand has collected more than 200 of the most-repeated and best-known examples of modern folk-myth."—Tampa Tribune "[N]ot only an entertaining anthology, but an excellent introduction to the study of folklore itself."—Publishers Weekly
The groundbreaking book that launched America's urban legend obsession! Folklore scholar Jan Harold Brunvand assembles the best-known urban legends—including "The Hook," "The Spider in the Hairdo," and "The Baby-Sitter and the Man Upstairs"—and provides an enlightening and entertaining analysis of their variants and evolution. The Vanishing Hitchhiker was Professor Brunvand's first popular book on urban legends, and it remains a classic. The culmination of twenty years of collection and research, this book is a must-have for urban legend lovers.
Collects Avengers West Coast #51-57 and #60-62. The Witch is back! The shocking truth about her children revealed, the Scarlet Witch suffers a nervous breakdown and descends into madness. Manipulated by her father, the mutant terrorist Magneto, Wanda faces her teammates - and her brother, Quicksilver. Can they rescue her from the clutches of Immortus - and save her very sanity? Plus: the return of Iron Man, and reunion of wartime allies Captain America and the Human Torch. Also featuring the villainy of the Mole Man, Loki, the U-Foes, Master Pandemonium and Hydro-Man!
Presents descriptions of hundreds of urban legends and their variations, themes, and scholarly approaches to the genre, including such tales as disappearing hitchhikers and hypodermic needles left in the coin slots of pay telephones.
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of urban legends with this book that will take you on a journey to uncover the truth behind some of the most mysterious stories that have captivated audiences for years. From haunted houses to legendary creatures, this book explores a wide range of urban legends that have become ingrained in popular culture. Each chapter delves into a different urban legend, providing a detailed history of its origins and exploring the various theories surrounding its truth or fiction. Through in-depth research and insightful analysis, the author seeks to separate fact from fiction, shedding light on the real stories behind the legends that have been passed down through generations. Whether you're a skeptic looking to debunk urban legends or a believer seeking confirmation of your favorite stories, this book offers something for everyone. With a blend of storytelling and investigative journalism, "Exploring Famous Urban Legends: Uncovering The Truth Behind Mysterious Stories" is a must-read for anyone interested in the hidden truths behind the myths and legends that have captured our imaginations. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind some of the most famous urban legends and discover the real stories that lie beneath the surface.
Fascinating and often bizarre true stories behind more than 130 urban legends about comic book culture. Was Superman a Spy? demystifies all of the interesting stories, unbelievable anecdotes, wacky rumors, and persistent myths that have piled up like priceless back issues in the seventy-plus years of the comic book industry, including: • Elvis Presley's trademark hairstyle was based on a comic book character (True) • Stan Lee featured a gay character in one of Marvel's 1960s war comics (False) • Wolverine of the X-Men was originally meant to be an actual wolverine! (True) • What would have been DC's first black superhero was changed at the last moment to a white hero (True) • A Dutch inventor was blocked from getting a patent on a process because it had been used previously in a Donald Duck comic book (True) With many more legends resolved, Was Superman a Spy? is a must-have for the legions of comic book fans and all seekers of “truth, justice, and the American way.”
Have you ever heard an improbable story told about a friend of a friend? Did you ever listen awestruck to extraordinary tales of ordinary life? Don't believe everything you hear--you've just been exposed to an urban legend! From phantom hitchhikers to deadly clouds of floating flatulence, these are tall tales of extremely dubious origin. This book contains more than 500 brain-mangling, credibility-straining stories, arranged conveniently by theme contained in one fun volume. From sex to sports, from animals to accidents, these are bizarre, hilarious and memorable urban legends. In what other book could you read about The Dead Poodle, The Blueberry Cat, Early Morning Arousal, Toilet Holiday, The Boneless Idiot, and more!
