Whether you would like to become an expert debunker of purportedly 'true' stories or would just like a good laugh, this marvellous collection of urban legends is for you. In chapters organised by theme, the author retells some of the most commonly told and wackiest legends and traces their histories, variants and local mutations.

Review from New York Times

"The truth is that it's not true, not even if someone told you it happened to them (or, more likely, that it happened to a friend of a friend, referred to as FOAFs by folklorists). But if you enjoy these too-good-to-be-true tales, then Jan Harold Brunvand's new book will give you hours of pleasure. Brunvand has collected urban legends in many of his previous books, and their titles alone...are a primer on the stories that have taken root in our popular culture. In TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE Brunvand has collected many of the best tales from these books and, along with new additions, includes some of the research into the sources of these legends that is often as captivating as the stories themselves."

Publisher Note

A fabulously entertaining book from the ultimate authority on "urban legends"--alligators in the sewers; the world's most expensive chocolate chip cookie recipe, etc.--those unbelievable tales that always happen to a "friend of a friend." Illustrations.

Publisher Note

In a hilarious, insightful exploration of the "urban legend," the author debunks many sacred modern-day myths, from the stoned baby sitter who mistook a baby for a turkey to the fabulously expensive recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Reprint.