Greatest Stories Never Told 100 Tales from History to Astonish Bewilder & Stupefy

Praise for Past and Present:

and#147;Spend 15 minutes D.I.Y.-ing this cute action station and we promise youand#8217;ll never hear the phrase, Honey have you seen my keys? again.and#8221;and#151;Redbook Magazine

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and#147;Azzarito does a fantastic job applying the past to a modern context. For example, in the section on Palladian style, the DIY project is a Palladio tote bag that features a geometric pattern that is quite contemporary.and#8221; and#151;Anthology Magazine

and#147;Complete with entertaining essays, whimsical illustrations and gorgeous DIY projects that explore the connection between decorative arts history and present-day design trends, this book is not only a DIY staple and a wealth of decorating history but also looks pretty enough for a coffee table.and#8221; and#151;About.comand#8217;s Budget Decorating

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and#147;In design, everything is influenced by something else. It is nice to see the direct correlation between a trend and where it stems from historically.and#8221; --Michele S Blog

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and#147;Part design history and part do-it-yourself book, Design*Sponge managing editor Azzarito has combined her love of the decorative arts with projects they inspire. The decorative accessories (e.g., Wedgwood pottery and Native American trade blankets) and design movements (e.g., Rococo and Art Nouveau) are spotlighted with a two-page description of that item or movementand#8217;s importance in the history of decorative arts. DIY projects created by some of Azzaritoand#8217;s favorite contemporary designersand#151;including fashion designer Todd Oldham and Hurley art director Timothy Lilesand#151;are included with the essays that inspired them.

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VERDICT:and#160;Beginning DIYers will find the projects easy to accomplish and those with more experience will be inspired to create their own decorative items from the historic background provided for each.and#8221; and#151;Library Journal

and#147;Amyand#8217;s new book . . . is full of dinner party-worthy factsand#151;things you might not know now, but will be glad you learned.and#8221; and#151;HGTV.com

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and#147;The branch and crystal chandelier is a stunning take on the Art Nouveau period that took cures from natural elements.and#160;This chandelier is a little playful, a little glam, and a whole lot of wonderful.and#8221; and#151;The Makeshift Society

and#160;

and#147;Complete with entertaining essays, whimsical illustrations and gorgeous DIY projects that explore the connection between decorative arts history and present-day design trends, this book is not only a DIY staple and a wealth of decorating history but also looks pretty enough for a coffee table.and#8221; and#151;About.comand#8217;s and#147;Budget Decoratingand#8221;

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and#147;History buffs and weekend warriors will get a kick out of our latest book obsession, Past and Present.and#160;Penned by Design Sponge Managing Editor Amy Azzarito, this new book connects influential design eras to current decorating trends. Fascinating (but digestible) essays fill in the historical context, while easy-to-follow DIYand#160;projects created by top design talent reinterpret them for the modern home.and#8221; and#160;and#151;PopSugar.com

and#147;Shannon Murrayand#8217;s project is based on the eighteenth-century Federal style. She designe

As Dave Barry would say, you can't make this stuff up.

Inspired by the History Channel series Timelab 2000 "RM," The Greatest Stories Never Told features the most startling stories ever plucked from the pages of history. The stories are accompanied by more than 200 illustrations gathered from libraries, archives, and private collections the world over.

100 fascinating, unexpected, and startling stories you didn't learn in history class, presented by The History Channel

History is filled with unpredictable people and unbelievable stories. Consider:

- The Pilgrims landed in Plymouth because they ran out of beer.

- Annie Oakley almost shot Kaiser Wilhelm before WWI.

- Three cigars changed the course of the Civil War.

- The stethoscope was invented when a modest French doctor didn't want to put his ear to the lavish bosom of a female patient.

- An Italian priest perfected the first practical fax machine in 1863.

- Teddy Roosevelt is the father of football's forward pass.

- And believe it or not, actress Hedy Lamar not only appeared in the movies' first nude scene, but later patented an idea that formed the basis for cell phone encryption. As Dave Barry would say, you can't make this stuff up.

Inspired by the History Channel series Timelab 2000(R), The Greatest Stories Never Told features the most startling stories ever plucked from the pages of history. The stories are accompanied by more than 400 illustrations gathered from libraries, archives and private collections the world over.

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.