Bibliograph

Too good to be true, the colossal book of urban legends, Jan Harold Brunvand

Type

Label

Too good to be true, the colossal book of urban legends, Jan Harold Brunvand

Language

eng

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

no index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Too good to be true

Oclc number

40762683

Responsibility statement

Jan Harold Brunvand

Sub title

the colossal book of urban legends

Summary

A fabulously entertaining book from the ultimate authority on those almost believable tales that always happen to a "friend of a friend." Alligators in the sewers? A pet in the microwave? A tragic misunderstanding of the function of cruise control? No, it didn't really happen to your friend's sister's neighbor: it's an urban legend. And no matter how savvy you think you are, you are sure to find in this collection of over 200 tales at least one story you would have sworn was true. Jan Harold Brunvand has been collecting & studying this modern folklore for over twenty years. In Too Good to Be True he captures the best stories in their best retellings, along with their latest variations & examples of how the stories have changed as they move from person to person & place to place. To help you find your favorite, Brunvand has arranged the tales thematically "Bringing Up Baby" is full of episodes of child-rearing gone wrong, including the grisly tale of the drugged out baby-sitter who mistakes the kid for a turkey. "Funny Business" showcases stories of infamous lapses in customer service, such as the story of the shockingly expensive chocolate chip cookie recipe. And "The Criminal Mind" features both brilliant-if they were real-scams, as well as the purported antics of the less mentally gifted. Whether you want to become an expert debunker or just have plenty of laughs, this book will surprise & entertain you

Table Of Contents

Jumping to conclusions -- Classic dog tales -- Just deserts -- Automania -- Sexcapades -- Losing face -- Accidents will happen -- Creepy contaminations -- Sick humor -- Bringing up baby -- Strange things happen -- Funny business -- The world of work -- Baffled by technology -- The criminal mind -- Human nature -- Strays from the wild Kingdom -- Pet problems -- Slapstick comedy -- Bogus warnings -- Mistaken identifications -- Campus capers -- "True" urban legends

Classification

Creator