Is It True?: The Facts Behind the Things We Have Been Told

In 'Is It True?', Max Cryer explores the truth or otherwise of facts and beliefs we may have always been told are true, but which on closer examination may not be. In a wide-ranging book encompassing social history, language, music, politics, the natural world and much more, we discover the truth behind some of our most cherished beliefs.

We can all remember the stories we were told as children:
Santa Claus lives at the North Pole;
St Bernard dogs carry brandy to help lost climbers;
Lady Godiva rode naked through Coventry.
They were great stories – and we believed them.

But are they true?

Max Cryer sets out to investigate the truth or otherwise of ideas and beliefs we may have always been told are true, but which on closer examination may not be. For example:
Did Winston Churchill coin the term ‘Iron Curtain’?
‘OK’ is an American expression, right?
Tulips come from Holland, don’t they?
Did Sarah Palin say, ‘I can see Russia from my house?’

The subjects covered in this highly entertaining book are diverse, ranging from politics, science and social history, to language, music and the natural world. Max Cryer approaches each with an open mind, seeking to uncover the truth behind some of our most cherished beliefs. Be prepared for surprises.

Max Cryer has many years’ experience of researching and writing on aspects of language and social history. A well-known broadcaster and entertainer, he hosts a weekly radio show on the English language. In a long career, he has been a schoolteacher, a compere and television host, as well as a performer on the opera stage in London and in cabaret in Las Vegas and Hollywood. Now a full-time writer living in Auckland, he has written many books, including 'Who Said That First?', 'Love Me Tender', 'The Godzone Dictionary', 'Curious English Words and Phrases', 'Preposterous Proverbs' and 'Every Dog Has Its Day'.