An illustrated collection of oddities that are sure to shock the reader.

A collection of the weird and wacky.

An illustrated collection of oddities about the human body, the law, nature, and a variety of other topics.

An encyclopedia of oddities features unexpected and unimaginable people, places, and creatures from around the world.

The newest title in the Ripley's Annual series is a compendium of new and bizarre stories, pictures and interviews all of which are packaged nicely within a vibrant red foil and lenticular cover. For the legions of dedicated Ripley’s fans, and anyone else on the planet who loves unbelievable facts and jaw-dropping images, the latest annual in our bestselling series is a feast of delights. Be amazed at a portrait made from 200,000 dead ants, the man who traversed the English Channel by holding onto a bunch of balloons, and the single human hair featuring paintings of all 42 American presidents. A compendium of incredible and bizarre facts, stories, interviews and features, presented in a stunning new design, this book also drives readers to Ripley’s fully interactive website. There are intriguing interviews with some of the astounding individuals who are featured in the book that spotlight their achievements and reveal more about what motivates them. A dramatic eight-page gatefold sections presents Ripley’s first ever odditorium, which showcased sideshow performers and was built for the World’s Trade Fair in 1933. This features a selection of choice memorabilia including Robert Ripley’s original annotated list of performers. Informative “Ripley’s Research” boxes give the scientific explanation behind some of the most incredible tales in the book, such as how people have turned their fingers into magnets. A section on the Olympic games, past and present, highlights the wacky as well as the amazing feats that have taken place at the height of sporting achievement. Additional black and white Ripley archive photographs feature throughout the book, and miscellaneous lists are also scattered throughout. This year specially commissioned photographic features will also appear in the book.

Following hot on the heels of last year's best-selling edition,Ripley's Believe it or Not 2008offers a whole new feast of bizarre facts and fiends - all guaranteed to fascinate, surprise and amaze. Gasp at the snake with feet. Stare in wonder at the dog with wheels. Marvel at the catfish whose fight started a fire which destroyed an entire house. Imagine dodging 68,000 kilos of over-ripe tomatoes, pelted in the two-hour annual Spanish tomato festival. And cower before the Black Widow - America's competitive eating champion who can put away 552 oysters in ten minutes. Illustrated throughout with extraordinary colour photographs, this is a must-have for anyone intrigued by the stranger aspects of our planet and its inhabitants.