Oliver Stone's Oscar-winning film Platoon brought the true horror of the Vietnam War to the big screen. Based on Stone's own experiences as a soldier in the conflict, the film captivated millions of viewers all over the world. But how much of the film was real and how much was Hollywood fiction? To reveal the real story, scenes are recreated; a radio transmission from the battle that inspired the movie's climax is uncovered, and Oliver Stone and cast...

"Stories of the American West have been a source of excitement and entertainment for more than 100 years. Novels, movies, and television shows have all drawn upon the Wild West for inspiration. But was the Wild West truly that wild? Were there gun-toting outlaws hiding behind every corner? Were white settlers and Native American tribes constantly at war? This book looks at some of the myths, legends, and tall tales surrounding the Wild West and attempts...

"During the Civil War, scores of people wrote firsthand accounts and stories of the events. Politicians of the time, soldiers, ordinary citizens, and countless others, both Union and Confederate, recorded their thoughts, impressions, and observations. After the war and through the years, many authors wrote down histories and more stories were passed down generation to generation. However, ideas, opinions, and even details of life experiences may change,...

"Did people in the Middle Ages really believe the Earth was flat? Was Columbus the first European to reach the New World? Were European explorers really treated like gods by the indigenous peoples they encountered? You probably think you know the answers to these questions, but sometimes textbooks don't tell the whole truth. This book takes a deep dive into the Age of Exploration, separating myth from reality. Grade-appropriate text is supported by...

"Learning to ask critical questions is an important part of uncovering the truth. This is just one lesson readers will take away from this book, which presents the history of U.S. treaties with Native Americans in a sensitive and enlightening way. From treaties created in colonial times, through the Civil War, and to those that guide relations today, readers will learn the real story behind landmark events in U.S. history, as well as their historical...

He was born to a father who described him as the "chosen one," a boy who would grow into a man with the power to impact nations. His mother called him the "universal child," blessed with the ability to hold the races together. Choosing the unlikely avenue of golf, they groomed their son for the fame and influence that they always believed was his destiny. At twenty, Tiger Woods made his debut in a Nike commercial. "Hello, world," he said. "Are

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Everybody knows the story of Santa Claus, the red–suited figure who lives at the North Pole and distributes gifts to good children every Christmas eve. But is there any historical evidence on which this jolly old character is based? Was there a real Santa Claus? To answer that question, host Mark Wilson, a distinguished historian and archeologist travels not to the North Pole but to modern day Turkey and Italy. There he uncovers clues that lead...

When a crew of Chinese fishermen forget to bring cooking utensils with them, they find creative ways to make do with what they have and what they can find.

Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan is famous for its realism, but how much of this epic drama is truly accurate? Was there a real Private Ryan? Uncover the real story behind this Hollywood blockbuster with tests conducted with weapons experts and insights from war historians.

Offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Real Housewives franchise from the writer of Vulture's popular series recaps and provides an insider's perspective on the lavish lives of the reality television stars.