The Greatest Stories Never Told: 100 Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy [Hardcover]

Rick Beyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 2003

History isn't always made by great armies colliding or by great civilizations rising or falling. Sometimes it's made when a chauffeur takes a wrong turn, a scientist forgets to clean up his lab, or a drunken soldier gets a bit rowdy. That's the kind of history you'll find in The Greatest Stories Never Told.

This is history candy -- the good stuff. Here are 100 tales to astonish, bewilder, and stupefy: more than two thousand years of history filled with courage, cowardice, hope, triumph, sex, intrigue, folly, humor, and ambition. It's a historical delight and a visual feast with hundreds of photographs, drawings, and maps that bring each story to life. A new discovery waits on every page: stories that changed the course of history and stories that affected what you had for breakfast this morning.

Consider:

• The Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock because they ran out of beer
• Some Roman officials were so corrupt that they actually stole time itself
• Three cigars changed the course of the Civil War
• The Scottish kilt was invented by an Englishman

Based on the popular Timelab 2000® history minutes hosted by Sam Waterston on The History Channel®, this collection of fascinating historical tidbits will have you shaking your head in wonder and disbelief. But they're all true. And you'll soon find yourself telling them to your friends.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“100 stories you haven’t heard will delight in knowing.…Lively, offbeat and surprising in quick-hit snippets.” (Denver Rocky Mountain News )

“Surprising…the essentials of fascinating stories are here.” (Dallas Morning News )

“Full of tasty morsels…A delightful book to arm one for the next dull cocktail party.” (Chicago Tribune )

“History like you’ve never read it before…Amusing.” (The Tennessean )

About the Author

Rick Beyer is the author of the popular Greatest Stories Never Told book series, and an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work has been seen on The History Channel, A&E, and National Geographic Channel. He is also an accomplished speaker who inspires and entertains audiences around the country. He lives with his wife in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harper (March 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060014016
• ISBN-13: 978-0060014018
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,893 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > History > Historical Study > Reference
  • #5 in Books > Education & Reference > Fun Facts > Curiosities & Wonders

More About the Author

I am a documentary filmmaker, an author, and a lifelong history enthusiast.

My first book, "The Greatest Stories Never Told: 100 tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder and Stupefy" was published in 2003. It was inspired by a series of history minutes I produced for The History Channel entitled "Timelab 2000." Little did I know that it was the beginning of a popular series of books, the fourth of which is coming out in November: "The Greatest Science Stories Never Told."

I am what people would call a history buff, although I hate b-word. I like to say I am a lifelong student of history, I have been interested in it as long as I can remember--probably thanks to my dad, who is also a long time history enthusiast. When I was a boy my parents bought me a set of those Time-Lie history books loaded with heroic color illustrations. They captured my imagination and never let go. I've been inundating long-suffering family and friends with tales from history ever since. But it took quite a while before I found a way to work history storytelling into my job description.

I have been making history films and videos for about a decade. I have done work for The History Channel, National Geographic, and the Smithsonian Institution, among others, making films on everything from the Emancipation Proclamation to the Wright Brothers.

A current project close to my heart is a documentary entitled "The Ghost Army." It is a World War II story of deception, showmanship, art and ingenuity kept secret for nearly 50 years. You can find out more about it at www.ghostarmy.org .

Other things I've done in my life:

oInterview Jimmy Carter
oClimb Mt. Wahington 4 times
oGet called stupid by David Brinkley
oGraduate from Dartmouth College
oBe consoled by Mary Tyler Moore
oSki race in Norway
oGet married during a lightning storm

I currently live in Lexington, MA, with my wife (see above.) We have two children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The overlooked past brought into the spotlight, September 8, 2003

By 

J. J. Kwashnak "voracious reader" (Monroe, LA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Greatest Stories Never Told: 100 Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy (Hardcover)

Beyer is an author who is dedicated to making history interesting and fun, which he does so well in this collection of one page stories. I found the book especially interesting because of the background work the author had put into his research (the imprint of the History Channel did not hurt either) which raised these tidbits above the normal trivia, or potential urban legends. Beyer highlights some things that should not be lost in the mists of history, and points out historical facts that may be glossed over in many other history books. There is nothing earth shattering here, but more than a few will make you scratch your head, or share with others in conversation. A great book for dipping your toe in history - each story is about a page of text and is well illustrated. There is just enough to get you the interesting point without boring you. It's a truly fun and fascinating book.

84 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone in this friendly and fun book, April 5, 2003

By 

C. B. Hurst (Providence, RI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Greatest Stories Never Told: 100 Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy (Hardcover)

This is not a coffee-table book, it's a briefcase book, a bathroom book, a bedside book, a stuck-in-traffic book. It's a book for dads and kids, a book for teachers and students, a book for priests and ministers (great sermon material!), and a great gift for practically everyone. My personal favorite involves what Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp were doing during the 1920s--I won't give away the story but Wyatt was in Hollywood and Bat was in Manhattan! It's clear that the author is not a student of history, he's a lover of history, and the enthusiasm and excitement with which he approaches his subject comes through on every page.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and Quirky, March 31, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Greatest Stories Never Told: 100 Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy (Hardcover)

I always hated history in school -- and I hardly ever watch the History Channel -- so I approached this book with great trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself paging eagerly through the well-written, highly entertaining historical vignettes (each one takes up a mere two pages, perfect for subway reading). Some of them made me laugh out loud; once I had to fight the urge to turn to the stranger next to me and ask if he knew what had killed Atilla the Hun. (I'm not telling.) Although not written for kids particularly, this is also a great book to share with older children . . . especially those who complain that history is dull.