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Boese, Alex. The museum of hoaxes; a history of outrageous pranks and deceptions.


Penguin Putnam, Plume. 266p. bibliog. index. c2002. 0-452-28465-1. $12.00. JSA JSA - Japanese Standards Association.  

Have you ever wanted to know the origin of the "jackalope"--a cross between a jackrabbit jackrabbit, popular name for several hares of W North America, characterized by very long legs and ears. Jackrabbits are powerful jumpers and fast runners. In normal progress leaps are alternated with running steps; when pursued the hare runs fast and close to the  and an antelope? Do you ever think about exactly how April Fools' Day April Fools' Day
 or All Fools' Day

First day of April, named for the custom of playing practical jokes on that date. Though it has been observed for centuries in several countries, including France and Britain, its origin is unknown.
 began? These and many other interesting facts are presented here. Alex Boese, Webmaster of the popular Web site of the same name (www.museumofhoaxes.com) has collected an impressive number of deceptions--with both friendly and not-so-friendly origins--and describes each one in a historical context.

According to according to
prep.
1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians.

2. In keeping with: according to instructions.

3.
 Boese, hoaxes are public displays of unusual, outlandish, or extraordinary acts. Hoaxes can be rated on a scale of their impact on the public-at-large. For example, an April Fools' joke played on your brother would rank low on the impact scale, while the Martian invasion reported by Orson Welles on national radio in 1938 would rank high and is considered by many to be an historical event. Boese also explains the similarities and differences when comparing hoaxes to frauds, pranks, urban legends, and tall tales. Divided into chronological time periods from before 1700 to the present, The Museum of Hoaxes The Museum of Hoaxes is a website created in 1997 in San Diego, California.[1] The website is maintained by Alex Boese,[2] and has become an authoritative and timely source of information on many modern and antiquated hoaxes and urban legends.  provides a well-written overview of each period described. Furthermore, an index, hoax category breakdown, and extensive bibliography give the book credibility as a type of trivia reference source. Tom Adamich, INFOhio Specialist, Cuyahoga Falls Cuyahoga Falls, city (1990 pop. 48,950), Summit co., NE Ohio, on the Cuyahoga River; inc. 1836. On its course through the city the river drops 220 ft (67 m) through a series of falls and rapids. , OH

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2004, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Author:Adamich, Tom
Publication:Kliatt
Article Type:Book Review
Date:Jan 1, 2004
Words:280
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