Royalty's Strangest Characters

Royalty's Strangest Characters

Author: Geoff Tibballs

Publisher: Batsford

Published: 2014-03-27

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 1849941807

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Recounting over 2,000 years of daft despots, raving rulers and potty potentates, this unique look at the world’s craziest kings and queens will leave you shocked, amazed – and often in fits of laughter. From the madness of ancient Rome, exemplified by the Emperor Caligula who wanted to appoint his horse to the consulate, we go on to meet Charles VI of France, convinced he was made of glass, Queen Juana of Spain, never separated from her late husband’s coffin, and King Otto of Bavaria, who tried to ward off hereditary insanity by shooting a peasant a day. Throughout history, royalty and scandal have gone hand-in-hand like a Prince of Wales and his mistress – witness the pocket-picking Farouk I of Egypt, Augustus II of Poland, who fathered an estimated 355 children, only one of whom was legitimate, and, more recently, Britain’s master of tact and diplomacy, Prince Philip. From kleptomania and incest to transvestism and even pigeon fancying, all these and many more colourful characters can be found in this revealing trawl of the world’s royal families.


Book Synopsis Royalty's Strangest Characters by : Geoff Tibballs

Download or read book Royalty's Strangest Characters written by Geoff Tibballs and published by Batsford. This book was released on 2014-03-27 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recounting over 2,000 years of daft despots, raving rulers and potty potentates, this unique look at the world’s craziest kings and queens will leave you shocked, amazed – and often in fits of laughter. From the madness of ancient Rome, exemplified by the Emperor Caligula who wanted to appoint his horse to the consulate, we go on to meet Charles VI of France, convinced he was made of glass, Queen Juana of Spain, never separated from her late husband’s coffin, and King Otto of Bavaria, who tried to ward off hereditary insanity by shooting a peasant a day. Throughout history, royalty and scandal have gone hand-in-hand like a Prince of Wales and his mistress – witness the pocket-picking Farouk I of Egypt, Augustus II of Poland, who fathered an estimated 355 children, only one of whom was legitimate, and, more recently, Britain’s master of tact and diplomacy, Prince Philip. From kleptomania and incest to transvestism and even pigeon fancying, all these and many more colourful characters can be found in this revealing trawl of the world’s royal families.

Royalty's Strangest Tales

Royalty's Strangest Tales

Author: Geoff Tibballs

Publisher: Portico

Published: 2017-07-13

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 1911042947

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A rollicking collection of stories featuring the craziest, daftest and most outrageous monarchs the world has ever known. Packed with royal stories from 2,000 years of history, from the immortality-obsessed first Emperor of China to the master of tact and diplomacy, Prince Philip, this book will leave the reader fascinated, entertained and occasionally appalled. We’ll meet all sorts of colourful royal characters, including the Roman Emperor Caligula, who was unspeakably cruel to his subjects but worshipped his horse, Charles VI of France, convinced he was made of glass, and Frederick William I of Prussia, who recruited – and sometimes kidnapped – the tallest men in Europe to form his private army. There are tales of scandal, including secret marriages, illegitimate offspring, royal pickpockets and alleged vampirism, and madness, cross-dressing and pigeon-fancying also crop up! Fully updated with a selection of new stories, this absorbing book is the perfect gift for history fans.


Book Synopsis Royalty's Strangest Tales by : Geoff Tibballs

Download or read book Royalty's Strangest Tales written by Geoff Tibballs and published by Portico. This book was released on 2017-07-13 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A rollicking collection of stories featuring the craziest, daftest and most outrageous monarchs the world has ever known. Packed with royal stories from 2,000 years of history, from the immortality-obsessed first Emperor of China to the master of tact and diplomacy, Prince Philip, this book will leave the reader fascinated, entertained and occasionally appalled. We’ll meet all sorts of colourful royal characters, including the Roman Emperor Caligula, who was unspeakably cruel to his subjects but worshipped his horse, Charles VI of France, convinced he was made of glass, and Frederick William I of Prussia, who recruited – and sometimes kidnapped – the tallest men in Europe to form his private army. There are tales of scandal, including secret marriages, illegitimate offspring, royal pickpockets and alleged vampirism, and madness, cross-dressing and pigeon-fancying also crop up! Fully updated with a selection of new stories, this absorbing book is the perfect gift for history fans.

Military's Strangest Campaigns & Characters

Military's Strangest Campaigns & Characters

Author: Tom Quinn

Publisher: Portico

Published: 2015-09-17

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13: 1910232513

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Military campaigns, pivotal battles and extraordinary leaders have collectively shaped the course of history and in this fascinating book, author Tom Quinn examines some of the most remarkable campaigns, incidents and characters from the earliest recorded histories to the second Gulf war. These strange but true stories include figures both famous and obscure, from Wellington, Churchill and Napoleon to maverick soldier 'Popski' Peniakoff, who commanded a company of British soldiers in North Africa during the Second World War. Known as "Popski's Private Army," this motley bunch were highly unorthodox but very effective in raiding Axis supply columns and destroying Luftwaffe aircraft. Then there's the unusual Russian warship Novgorod; which was completely circular, and the Victoria Cross winner who survived completely unscathed against all odds, not to mention the old colonel who went into battle with his trousers down and the woman who fought as a man for nearly twenty years without being discovered. Military's Strangest Campaigns & Characters makes for bizarre yet absorbing reading, highlighting the origins of strange regimental traditions, heroic and ridiculous soldiering, and the folly of commanding officers throughout the ages.


Book Synopsis Military's Strangest Campaigns & Characters by : Tom Quinn

Download or read book Military's Strangest Campaigns & Characters written by Tom Quinn and published by Portico. This book was released on 2015-09-17 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Military campaigns, pivotal battles and extraordinary leaders have collectively shaped the course of history and in this fascinating book, author Tom Quinn examines some of the most remarkable campaigns, incidents and characters from the earliest recorded histories to the second Gulf war. These strange but true stories include figures both famous and obscure, from Wellington, Churchill and Napoleon to maverick soldier 'Popski' Peniakoff, who commanded a company of British soldiers in North Africa during the Second World War. Known as "Popski's Private Army," this motley bunch were highly unorthodox but very effective in raiding Axis supply columns and destroying Luftwaffe aircraft. Then there's the unusual Russian warship Novgorod; which was completely circular, and the Victoria Cross winner who survived completely unscathed against all odds, not to mention the old colonel who went into battle with his trousers down and the woman who fought as a man for nearly twenty years without being discovered. Military's Strangest Campaigns & Characters makes for bizarre yet absorbing reading, highlighting the origins of strange regimental traditions, heroic and ridiculous soldiering, and the folly of commanding officers throughout the ages.

Classical Music's Strangest Concerts and Characters

Classical Music's Strangest Concerts and Characters

Author: Brian Levison

Publisher: Portico

Published: 2015-09-17

Total Pages: 222

ISBN-13: 1910232505

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Extracted from five hundred years of musical history, this is a fascinating collection of stories about classical music's most unusual concerts and characters. Tales such as that of the organist caught with his trousers down or the orchestra that played faster and faster so that its members could catch the last train home, the sad story of the composer who committed suicide while conducting, the completely silent piece of music and the stone deaf composer who insisted on conducting will delight all lovers of classical music. Many famous names are here, as well the less eminent music performers, in this fascinating and revealing look at what really goes on in the world of classical music.


Book Synopsis Classical Music's Strangest Concerts and Characters by : Brian Levison

Download or read book Classical Music's Strangest Concerts and Characters written by Brian Levison and published by Portico. This book was released on 2015-09-17 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Extracted from five hundred years of musical history, this is a fascinating collection of stories about classical music's most unusual concerts and characters. Tales such as that of the organist caught with his trousers down or the orchestra that played faster and faster so that its members could catch the last train home, the sad story of the composer who committed suicide while conducting, the completely silent piece of music and the stone deaf composer who insisted on conducting will delight all lovers of classical music. Many famous names are here, as well the less eminent music performers, in this fascinating and revealing look at what really goes on in the world of classical music.

Theatre's Strangest Acts

Theatre's Strangest Acts

Author: Sheridan Morley

Publisher: Robson

Published: 2014-12-08

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 1849941904

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This enthralling collection of weird and wonderful tales from the world of theatre includes such unusual stories as the legendary ghost of Drury Lane, how an actor can exorcise the curse of Macbeth, and the well-known theatre manager who fried bacon and eggs in the Royal Box to feed her starving cast at the interval. If you have ever wondered whether what happens in the stalls is actually more dramatic than what happens on stage, which shows were so bad that they closed during the interval on the first night, or how the ‘green room’ was named, then 'Theatre’s Strangest Acts' is the book for you.


Book Synopsis Theatre's Strangest Acts by : Sheridan Morley

Download or read book Theatre's Strangest Acts written by Sheridan Morley and published by Robson. This book was released on 2014-12-08 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This enthralling collection of weird and wonderful tales from the world of theatre includes such unusual stories as the legendary ghost of Drury Lane, how an actor can exorcise the curse of Macbeth, and the well-known theatre manager who fried bacon and eggs in the Royal Box to feed her starving cast at the interval. If you have ever wondered whether what happens in the stalls is actually more dramatic than what happens on stage, which shows were so bad that they closed during the interval on the first night, or how the ‘green room’ was named, then 'Theatre’s Strangest Acts' is the book for you.

Fishing's Strangest Days

Fishing's Strangest Days

Author: Tom Quinn

Publisher: Batsford

Published: 2014-02-25

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 1849941750

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Fishing's Strangest Tales gathers together choice stories and bizarre fishing tales from all over the world. Consider the Oxford scientist who in 1910 discovered the marvellous life-giving properties of brandy to fish who had otherwise gasped their last. Or how about the nine-year-old boy fishing for trout who caught a large mussel – containing no less than forty pearls – and managed to earn more in one day than his father, a farm worker, had earned in the last five years. Fishing's Strangest Days is full of fascinating tales that may sound fishy and unbelievable but will have have you caught hook, line and sinker.


Book Synopsis Fishing's Strangest Days by : Tom Quinn

Download or read book Fishing's Strangest Days written by Tom Quinn and published by Batsford. This book was released on 2014-02-25 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fishing's Strangest Tales gathers together choice stories and bizarre fishing tales from all over the world. Consider the Oxford scientist who in 1910 discovered the marvellous life-giving properties of brandy to fish who had otherwise gasped their last. Or how about the nine-year-old boy fishing for trout who caught a large mussel – containing no less than forty pearls – and managed to earn more in one day than his father, a farm worker, had earned in the last five years. Fishing's Strangest Days is full of fascinating tales that may sound fishy and unbelievable but will have have you caught hook, line and sinker.

Cornwall's Strangest Tales

Cornwall's Strangest Tales

Author: Peter Grego

Publisher: Portico

Published: 2013-07-15

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 1909396435

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Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Cornwall, or as it is sometimes obscurely referred to, Merry Jack. Though this isn’t the usual side of the county the tourists, travellers and residents see. This is the real Cornwall, the strange and twisted nooks and crannies of the county’s bizarre history – past, present and future. Following on from the bestselling Portico Strangest titles now comes a book devoted to England’s gloriously coastal, yet most haunted, region. Located in the toes of the outstretched legs of Britain’s old man, Cornwall is a county with more strangeness than you can shake a Cornish pasty at. Cornwall is an area of outstanding natural beauty, as well as outstanding strangness – from ye olde tales of plundering pirates to foulish ghosts drinking in local pubs right through to the most famous of all myths – the bizarre beast that forever stalks Bodmin Moor. Spooky.


Book Synopsis Cornwall's Strangest Tales by : Peter Grego

Download or read book Cornwall's Strangest Tales written by Peter Grego and published by Portico. This book was released on 2013-07-15 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Cornwall, or as it is sometimes obscurely referred to, Merry Jack. Though this isn’t the usual side of the county the tourists, travellers and residents see. This is the real Cornwall, the strange and twisted nooks and crannies of the county’s bizarre history – past, present and future. Following on from the bestselling Portico Strangest titles now comes a book devoted to England’s gloriously coastal, yet most haunted, region. Located in the toes of the outstretched legs of Britain’s old man, Cornwall is a county with more strangeness than you can shake a Cornish pasty at. Cornwall is an area of outstanding natural beauty, as well as outstanding strangness – from ye olde tales of plundering pirates to foulish ghosts drinking in local pubs right through to the most famous of all myths – the bizarre beast that forever stalks Bodmin Moor. Spooky.

Dublin's Strangest Tales

Dublin's Strangest Tales

Author: Michael Barry

Publisher: Portico

Published: 2013-07-15

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 1909396443

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Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Dublin. Though this isn’t the usual side of the city the tourists, travellers and residents see. This is the real Dublin, the strange and twisted nooks and crannies of the city’s bizarre history – past, present and future. Following on from the bestselling Portico Strangest titles now comes a book devoted to one of Ireland’s most beautiful, and popular, cities. Located on the beautiful eastern seaboard, Dublin is a city with more strangeness than you can shake a pint of Guinness at. Home to one million people, the name, strangely, comes from the Irish ‘Dubh Linn’, which means 'Black Pool', but that name was already taken. Dublin’s Strangest Tales is a treasure trove of the hilarious, the odd and the baffling – an alternative travel guide to some of the city’s best-kept secrets. Read on, if you dare! You have been warned.


Book Synopsis Dublin's Strangest Tales by : Michael Barry

Download or read book Dublin's Strangest Tales written by Michael Barry and published by Portico. This book was released on 2013-07-15 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Dublin. Though this isn’t the usual side of the city the tourists, travellers and residents see. This is the real Dublin, the strange and twisted nooks and crannies of the city’s bizarre history – past, present and future. Following on from the bestselling Portico Strangest titles now comes a book devoted to one of Ireland’s most beautiful, and popular, cities. Located on the beautiful eastern seaboard, Dublin is a city with more strangeness than you can shake a pint of Guinness at. Home to one million people, the name, strangely, comes from the Irish ‘Dubh Linn’, which means 'Black Pool', but that name was already taken. Dublin’s Strangest Tales is a treasure trove of the hilarious, the odd and the baffling – an alternative travel guide to some of the city’s best-kept secrets. Read on, if you dare! You have been warned.

Yorkshire's Strangest Tales

Yorkshire's Strangest Tales

Author: Leonora Rustamova

Publisher: Portico

Published: 2013-05-15

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 1909396338

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Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Yorkshire, or as it is sometimes beautifully referred to, God’s Own County. Though this isn’t the usual side of the county the tourists, travellers and residents see. This is the real Yorkshire, the strange and twisted nooks and crannies of the county’s bizarre history – past, present and future. Following on from the bestselling Strangest Series now comes an eBook devoted to one of England’s most beautiful valley regions. Located in the upper body of Britain’s old man, Yorkshire is a county with more strangeness than you can shake a Dale walking stick at. Home of Robin Hood (he was born in Barnsdale), Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin and Dracula (Bram Stoker wrote part of the vampire tale in a Whitby hotel!) and, some say, the birthplace of modern civilization even began in Leeds! But you’ll have to read the book to find out why. Yorkshire’s Strangest Tales is a treasure trove of the hilarious, the odd and the baffling – an alternative travel guide to some of the county’s best-kept secrets. Read on, if you dare! You have been warned.


Book Synopsis Yorkshire's Strangest Tales by : Leonora Rustamova

Download or read book Yorkshire's Strangest Tales written by Leonora Rustamova and published by Portico. This book was released on 2013-05-15 with total page 169 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Yorkshire, or as it is sometimes beautifully referred to, God’s Own County. Though this isn’t the usual side of the county the tourists, travellers and residents see. This is the real Yorkshire, the strange and twisted nooks and crannies of the county’s bizarre history – past, present and future. Following on from the bestselling Strangest Series now comes an eBook devoted to one of England’s most beautiful valley regions. Located in the upper body of Britain’s old man, Yorkshire is a county with more strangeness than you can shake a Dale walking stick at. Home of Robin Hood (he was born in Barnsdale), Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin and Dracula (Bram Stoker wrote part of the vampire tale in a Whitby hotel!) and, some say, the birthplace of modern civilization even began in Leeds! But you’ll have to read the book to find out why. Yorkshire’s Strangest Tales is a treasure trove of the hilarious, the odd and the baffling – an alternative travel guide to some of the county’s best-kept secrets. Read on, if you dare! You have been warned.

Sailing's Strangest Moments

Sailing's Strangest Moments

Author: John Harding

Publisher: Portico

Published: 2014-03-28

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 1849941785

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This fascinating collection of entertaining stories from the seven seas reveals unusual and bizarre sailing trips, vessels and characters, and recounts perilous journeys in freak weather, meetings with pirates and sea monsters, and other legendary tales.


Book Synopsis Sailing's Strangest Moments by : John Harding

Download or read book Sailing's Strangest Moments written by John Harding and published by Portico. This book was released on 2014-03-28 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This fascinating collection of entertaining stories from the seven seas reveals unusual and bizarre sailing trips, vessels and characters, and recounts perilous journeys in freak weather, meetings with pirates and sea monsters, and other legendary tales.