The Not-So-Nude Ride of Lady Godiva: & Other Morsels of Misinformation from the History Books

David Haviland

Jun 2012 · Penguin

About this ebook

It is said that history is written by the winners. However, the “winners” aren’t always the best historians. Enter David Haviland, to set the record straight. In his quirky, inimitable style, Haviland separates fact from fiction regarding some of history’s most well-known people and events, such as:

• Lady Godiva: By far, history’s most famous nudist equestrian. But how nude was she, really? And how did this same legend give rise to the term “Peeping Tom”?
• The Boston Tea Party: What was the cause of this famous “party” that wasn’t really a party? (Hint: If you guessed a rise in taxes, you’re dead wrong!)
• World War I: How did a directionally challenged chauffeur spark the Great War?
• Queen Victoria: Nowadays, the word “Victorian” is synonymous with stuffy prudishness. But would a prude pose nude for a provocative portrait, or become “close” with a young Indian servant?

In The Not-So-Nude Ride of Lady Godiva, Haviland untangles fallacy, farce, and misrepresentation of historic proportions. The end result is a wholly fascinating, highly educational compendium of historical folly that will entertain readers young and old!

About the author

David Haviland is a journalist, writer, and historian who has always had a love of trivia and anecdotes, particularly on the subjects of history, medicine, animals, and sports. Coauthor of Why Dogs Eat Poop and author of Why You Should Store Your Farts in a Jar, he lives in London.