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!Join Damian Barr and James Ley in conversation with Jackie Wylie at the Mitchell Library as they explore the creation of the new stage version of Damian’s celebrated memoir Maggie & Me.
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READ MOREGlasgow's Book Fair, Books at the Botanics, is held every month in the Hopkirk building at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens!
READ MOREGenevieve Jagger joins Waterstones Sauchiehall Street to launch her dark and brilliant debut, Fragile Animals, a story of complicated sexuality, religious and family trauma... and vampirism.
READ MOREJoin Waterstones Byres Road on Thursday 25th April for an evening of poetry as we celebrate the launch of DWAMS, the new collection from Shane Strachan!
READ MOREJoin Damian Barr and James Ley in conversation with Jackie Wylie at the Mitchell Library as they explore the creation of the new stage version of Damian’s celebrated memoir Maggie & Me.
READ MOREJoin climate campaigner and activist Mikaela Loach at Waterstones Argyle Street to celebrate the paperback launch of her vitally important book, It's Not That Radical!
READ MOREJoin local author and artist Rose Ruane as she launches her incredible new novel in store at Waterstones Sauchiehall Street on Thursday 2nd May!
READ MOREJoin us to launch an array of amazing new zines emerging from the Glasgow Zine Fest community over the past year.
READ MOREGlasgow Zine Fest's main event features over 40 makers from the UK and worldwide showcasing their work. Come for the zines, stay for the zines!
READ MOREExpect drama and interactive family fun as well as readings, royal chat and an all-author book signing at this Mary Queen of Scots themed-event at Waterstones Sauchiehall Street!
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