The Fascinating Book of History

by Publications International, J. K. Kelley

The Fascinating Book of History, from the much-loved Armchair Digest series, is a lively collection of the most compelling, bizarre, chilling, and hilarious stories from world history. In 304 packed pages, you ll read about an array of stuff that they didn t teach you in school, such

Elizabeth of Bathroy, the insane Hungarian countess and real-life vampire who tortured and killed more than 600 people before authorities locked her up in her own castle
Animals dressed up and put on trial for their crimes in the Middle Ages
The shortest war ever, a 38-minute face-off between Great Britain and Zanzibar
The mysterious Voynich manuscript, a bizarre medieval book filled with indecipherable code, drawings of plants that botanists still haven t identified, and illustrations featuring naked nymphs cavorting around
Hatshepsut, the lady pharaoh who ruled Ancient Egypt dressed as a man -- complete with a fake beard

Written for the curious mind, The Fascinating Book of History gives you an inside look at hundreds of odd episodes and eccentric figures.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

230 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Publications International, Ltd. (PIL) is a leading North American publisher, producing hundreds of new titles each year and printing millions of books annually. CEO Louis Weber founded the company in 1967 with a mission to provide high-quality, high-value products for consumers worldwide.

PIL publishes books in many categories, including the popular Brain Games® series of puzzle, sticker and coloring books, in addition to cookbooks, children’s books, craft, reference and much more.

PIL's bestselling Brain Games® product line features a wide array of puzzle books, including standards such as word searches, crosswords, sudokus, codewords, and cryptograms, as well as variety puzzle books themed around crime, Christmas, summer, celebrities, and more.

The New Seasons® division publishes a variety of stationery products that combine unique formats with the latest trends in design. Among these are Sticker by Number titles, Color and Frame books, notepad sets, journals, and recipe keepers. These products are the perfect vehicle to de-stress and relax, organize your day, and record and share memories.

Collectible Automobile® magazine, another division of PIL, presents an in-depth look at the cars and trucks that Americans have known and loved for decades. First published in 1984, Collectible Automobile® magazine is released six times a year.

PIL's cookbooks feature visually outstanding presentations of culinary classics and world cuisine, including books that focus on the Mediterranean diet, plant-based cooking, restaurant recipes, and the best in entertaining.