Curiosity drives all of us, from little children at play to scientists exploring the universe. Solving puzzles is satisfying, yet still we are fascinated by mysteries: the riddle that might have a solution, the secret that could be revealed, the legend with a kernel of truth. Collected here are classic mysteries from across time and space, chosen for their enduringly enigmatic nature, from ancient riddles of the sands to modern-day oddities in the sky.
* What was the true identity of the young man who in 1828 wandered into Nuremburg without a past?
* What do strange markings on a 5,000-year-old South American bowl mean for our fundamental beliefs about the history of civilization?
* How is it possible for a wanted fugitive to leap from a passenger plane over American soil with a suticase full of stolen money, and evade capture or identification for over 40 years?
These and many other fascinating tales are told, with concise, but thorough reviews of the background, evidence and theories behind each one. Beautifully illustrated, Unsolved Mysteries features more than 120 photographs, paintings, illustrations, and maps.