In his fascinating new book Fake History, journalist and author Otto English takes ten great lies from history and shows how our present continues to be manipulated by the fabrications of the past.
He looks at how so much of what we take to be historical fact is, in fact, fiction. From the myths of WW2 to the adventures of Columbus, and from the self-serving legends of 'great men' to the origins of curry – fake history is everywhere and used ever more to impact our modern world.
Setting out to redress the balance, English tears apart the lies propagated by politicians and think tanks, the grand narratives spun by populists and the media, the stories on your friend's Facebook feed and the tales you were told in childhood. And, in doing so, reclaims the truth from those who have perverted it.
In a time of deep fakes, alternative truths and leaked secrets, it would be easy to think that we are surrounded by lies. How do we do this extraordinary thing – often under the most ordinary of circumstances? How do we convince each other to suspend disbelief? Do we really tell more lies today? And considering her own lies, can she even be trusted on this subject?
In her brilliant, wide-ranging study of lies and lying, The Social Superpower, Wyatt introduces us to a cast of professionals and professional liars – from scientists to investigators, from double agents to toddler specialists, from a fallen titan of industry to a Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist. Together, they all help her prove a remarkable thesis: lies hold us together as much as they push us apart and they are vital in a healthy society.
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Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, a free display at The Mitchell Library, explores the transformative, enriching and sometimes radical power of gardening.
READ MOREGlasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group runs on the first Thursday of each month with the library kindly providing books for all members, so there is no cost involved!
READ MOREAn afternoon of stories, crafts, and imagination awaits at The Mitchell Library at this Story Garden Kids Craft Session on Tuesday 15th July!
READ MOREAs Part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2025, Story Garden, join Glasgow Libraries for a storytelling workshop for children and families led by prizewinning author Janis MacKay!
READ MOREAward-winning crime author Liam McIlvanney in conversation with Scottish literature expert Dr Valentina Bold in a unique discussion of Scottish Gothic inspired by Liam's new psychological thriller.
READ MOREThe team at The Mitchell Library are hosting a fun day on Saturday 2nd August celebrating their exhibition Unearthed: The Power of Gardening!
READ MOREGlasgow's Book Fair, Books at the Botanics, is held every month in the Hopkirk building at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens!
READ MOREGlasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group runs on the first Thursday of each month with the library kindly providing books for all members, so there is no cost involved!
READ MOREAs part of the 20th Birthday Hamish McHaggis book tour, author Linda Strachan will be at Riverside Museum on Sunday 13th July holding readings and signing books!
READ MOREAs Part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2025, Story Garden, join Glasgow Libraries for a storytelling workshop for children and families led by prizewinning author Janis MacKay!
READ MOREBGCP Comic Con returns to Loch Lomond Shores on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July for a family-friendly weekend suitable for heroes of all ages!
READ MOREJoin STREETrave to celebrate Irvine Welsh's sequel to his iconic bestseller Trainspotting, with the man himself himself behind the decks for a special DJ set, joined by Steve Mac and Carl Loben!
READ MOREAward-winning crime author Liam McIlvanney in conversation with Scottish literature expert Dr Valentina Bold in a unique discussion of Scottish Gothic inspired by Liam's new psychological thriller.
READ MORESequential Scotland is a brand new comic convention coming to Glasgow in August which will spotlight the amazing comic creators and micro-publishers from across Scotland and the UK!
READ MOREThis short course from the University of Glasgow offers you the chance to explore some of Glasgow's impressive libraries and their part in local civic history.
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