Leland Gregory Knihy

100 crazy stories of America's dumbest criminals.WARNING: The crimes you are about to read are true. The names have been changed . . . to protect the ignorant.Here is the ultimate collection of the most incredibly stupid and painfully dumb attempts at crime ever brought together.The woman who invalidated her winning $5,000 lottery ticket by altering it to match the $20 prize numberThe accused vending-machine thief who paid his $400 bail entirely in quartersThe streaking robber who thought clothes would make him more identifiableThe convenience store thief who got away with just a hotdog, only to end up in the parking lot choking on the wiener

Why exactly is Paul Revere revered? Was the lightbulb really Thomas Edison's bright idea?* Best-selling author Leland Gregory employs his masterful wit to expose historical myths, faux "facts," strange events, and tales of human stupidity throughout history.If it would shock you to learn that Benjamin Franklin didn't discover electricity, you'll appreciate this take on hundreds of historical legends and debacles. Historians and humorists alike may be surprised to learn * Samuel Prescott made the famous horseback ride into Concord, not Paul Revere.* As a member of Parliament, Isaac Newton spoke only once. He asked for an open window.* On April 24, 1898, Spain declared war on the U.S., thus starting the Spanish-American War. The U.S. declared war the very next day, but not wanting to be outdone, had the date on the declaration changed from April 25 to April 21.With these and many other stories, leading humorist Leland Gregory once again highlights both the strange and the funny side of humankind.