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!Glasgow 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 MOREJoin Creating Conversations CIC at The Mitchell Library for one of their regular Death Cafe, a safe, confidential and friendly space to come together and talk openly and honestly about death.
READ MOREThis exhibition, commemorating the 150th anniversary of his death, is organised by The Alexander Thomson Society in conjunction with Glasgow Libraries and the staff of the Mitchell Library.
READ MOREStarting out on your family history journey can be daunting... join one the Mitchell Library librarians for a FREE introductory session on library resources for family history.
READ MOREFind out more about using the British Newspaper Archive and how it can help with Family History research at the Mitchell Library on Tuesday 3rd June.
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 MOREGlasgow's Book Fair, Books at the Botanics, is held every month in the Hopkirk building at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens!
READ MOREJoin a group of ladies from the Renfrewshire Ladies (Chat/Meet-up) group for a group tour of Glasgow Women's Library on Saturday 19th April.
READ MOREExcelsior Events are bringing their Comic and Toy Fair to Glasgow's St Enoch Centre on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April!
READ MOREJoin The Wee Retreat at their regular book club! Free and open to everyone. Read a new book every month, and have the chance to discuss it in community, over a cuppa and snacks!
READ MOREJoin The Witches of Scotland Podcast hosts Dr Zoe Venditozzi and Dr Claire Mitchell for a discussion and talk based on their new book How to Kill a Witch at Provan Hall!
READ MOREEnjoy coffee, croissants and fizz, swap books, and chat with Kate Foster at Bookface Sip & Swap on Saturday 31st May!
READ MOREJoin the New York Times best-selling author Matty Matheson as he shows you the magical insanity of creating his latest cookbook Soups, Salads, Sandwiches!
READ MOREWorld star oboist Albrecht Mayer reads from his deeply moving autobiography The Wonder of Sound: How the Power of Music Healed Me and enchants with his oboe playing.
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