The truth and nothing but the truth—Richard Shenkman sheds light on America's most believed legends.

The story of Columbus discovering the world was round was invented by Washington Irving.

The pilgrims never lived in log cabins.

In Concord, Massachusetts, a third of all babies born in the twenty years before the Revolution were conceived out of wedlock.

Washington may have never told a lie, but he loved to drink and

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"Some of the most consequential decisions in history were decided at the dinner table, accompanied--and perhaps influenced--by copious amounts of food and drink. This fascinating book explores ten of those pivotal meals, presenting the contexts, key participants, table talk, and outcomes of each. It offers unique insight into the minds and appetites of some of history's most famous and notorious characters, including Bonnie Prince Charlie, George...

Offers a secret history of the scandals, scheming, and intrigue surrounding the British royal family, from Henry VIII and his six wives to Queen Elizabeth II and the other members of the House of Windsor of the twenty-first century.

Hucke and Bielski show that Chicago's cemeteries are fascinating repositories of history, art, culture, and folklore. History buffs and art lovers will find this book to be an incredible tour of Chicago's-- and America's-- history and culture.