Ripley's Believe It or Not! Strikingly True Hardcover - 2011

From the publisher

The newest title in the Ripley's Annual series is a compendium of new and bizarre stories, pictures and interviews all of which are packaged nicely within a vibrant red foil and lenticular cover. For the legions of dedicated Ripley's fans, and anyone else on the planet who loves unbelievable facts and jaw-dropping images, the latest annual in our bestselling series is a feast of delights. Be amazed at a portrait made from 200,000 dead ants, the man who traversed the English Channel by holding onto a bunch of balloons, and the single human hair featuring paintings of all 42 American presidents. A compendium of incredible and bizarre facts, stories, interviews and features, presented in a stunning new design, this book also drives readers to Ripley's fully interactive website. There are intriguing interviews with some of the astounding individuals who are featured in the book that spotlight their achievements and reveal more about what motivates them. A dramatic eight-page gatefold sections presents Ripley's first ever odditorium, which showcased sideshow performers and was built for the World's Trade Fair in 1933. This features a selection of choice memorabilia including Robert Ripley's original annotated list of performers. Informative "Ripley's Research" boxes give the scientific explanation behind some of the most incredible tales in the book, such as how people have turned their fingers into magnets. A section on the Olympic games, past and present, highlights the wacky as well as the amazing feats that have taken place at the height of sporting achievement. Additional black and white Ripley archive photographs feature throughout the book, and miscellaneous lists are also scattered throughout. This year specially commissioned photographic features will also appear in the book.

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