His seventh publication continues in the vein of studying English proverbs, words and curious phrases, this time exploring ''the facts behind the things we have been told''.
Cryer is really on a myth-busting mission and has researched what some may think is common knowledge.
There are questions like: ''Is kiwifruit native to New Zealand?'' ''Was baseball invented in America?'' ''What did St Valentine know about love?'' ''Are brown eggs more nourishing than white?''
Max was looking mainly for surprises. The answer to each ''is it true?'' is mainly negative, or highly qualified, so folk will find few ''yes'' answers in the 16 chapters compiled in concise and easy-reading style.
The subjects covered in 16 chapters include religion, social history, language, music, politics and the natural world.
Many of the answers were not really surprising, as many well-known myths are included. But it is the sort of popular gift book, light-hearted and liberally illustrated with small sketches, that people will like to dip into occasionally.
It could even be used as a reference book since sources are often quoted within the text and it has a bibliography, but (sadly) no index.
Geoff Adams is a former ODT editor.
