Hidden Histories: 100 Wild Stories You Never Learned in History Class

by Tim Rayborn, Tom Parks (Narrator)

Discover the little known facts about some of the world’s greatest historical icons. We all know what was written in the history books. There are some stories we’ve heard a hundred times—but often our understanding of these events and people is narrow. Have you ever wondered about the lesser known details that influenced major events and figures behind-the-scenes? This hilarious compendium of fascinating facts and dizzying what-ifs will delight and shock history buffs and trivia lovers alike. From Abraham Lincoln’s wrestling champ background to the day Napoleon was attacked by a horde of hungry rabbits, this book will give you a new perspective. From ancient civilization to modern times, history is full of mysterious and downright bizarre circumstances. With these crazy and compelling facts, Hidden Histories will change your view of history

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Adult

Audiobook

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Tim Rayborn is a historian, medievalist, and musician, with an MA and PhD from the University of Leeds in England. He is a writer on a variety of topics in history and the arts, from the academic to the amusing to the appalling. He has written nearly 50 books to date.

A professional musician with a specialty in medieval repertoire, he plays dozens of musical instruments, has appeared on more than 40 recordings, and has performed in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Reviews

[Maggie Carr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love books like this- quick 1.5-2 page biographies. Some I knew but many I didn't. However I felt it completely unnecessary to specifically point out who had same sex partners when it didn't also, in balanced measure, also feel the need to mention if the person was heterosexual. At first I thought it was a fluke but definitely not. Only if the highlighted historical figures had a life partner or such was it mentioned. Just let people be!

[Bee Reckless · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quirky and quick read filled with a some commonly known stories and a few less common ones. A great pallet cleanser for any history nerd!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some stories I had already heard (e.g. the White Sox allegedly throwing the World Series), some I hadn't (e.g. the actress Hedy Lamarr being in the National Inventors Hall of Fame). I'm still not sure if all of the stories were true, but it kept my interest.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very light, mostly amusing little book about quirky facts from history.

[Melissa Ramon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a quick, fun, gallop through history, highlighting little known facts. Entertaining, for sure.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of book you could read on a plane in one go or find in some people's bathrooms. Easy, short, bite-sized bits of lesser known history.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

Very interesting stories! I had not heard of most of these. Great trivia questions. :)

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun listen for those who like random little stories from history.

[Karrie Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and fun - it feels like something you’d buy at the scholastic book fair. Will I be a trivia wiz now?

thank you Libro fm!

[Pallas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what this is really. Feels semi wrong to call it a book. With some more research and a fun sidekick it could be a podcast. Just some random “facts”, I don’t know…

[Gwyneth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick entraining read with some new to me stories.

[Prateek Vasisht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great light hearted but informative read. Thoroughly enjoyable.