num_pages: 240
description: Everyone has heard a story too outrageous to be true. Tall Tales, Legends, and Other Outrageous Lies explains how these popular misconceptions began. Inside this fascinating book, you will be entertained by the truth behind some of our favorite stories, from the real models for mythical heroes like Paul Bunyan, to the source for urban legends like the alligators in the sewers of New York City. Packed with fascinating explanations of popular un-truths and half-truths, this book will please anyone looking for great trivia and the real stories behind American folklore. It features:  
   Internet hoaxes, such as the e-mail tax and the Good Times virus  
   Modern urban legends, such as the Hitler diaries and the Roswell incident  
   Entertainment intrigues–from the suicide of George Reeves, the actor who played Superman, to Elvis sightings  
   Consumer frauds, such as pyramid schemes and stock swindles  
   Folk tales about heroes such as Johnny Appleseed and John Henry  
 And much, much more! 
language: English
title: Tall Tales, Legends & Hoaxes
publisher: Fall River