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 MOREJoin retired Deputy Chief Constable Tom and former undercover detective Simon for an evening of gripping stories, self-deprecating humor and unparalleled insights into the evolution of Scottish crime.
READ MOREJoin one of the Mitchell librarians to explore Ancestry.com, and see how it can help you on your family history journey!
READ MOREThis year's Book Week Scotland theme is Hope, and Glasgow Libraries are delighted to welcome Mel Young to the Mitchell Library to discuss his book Home Game: The True Story of the Homeless World Cup.
READ MORELooking for something free and fun to do during the Easter School Holidays for your little ones? Look no further than the Easter Extravaganza at The Mitchell Library!
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 MORETo commemorate the anniversary of Woodside Library, Glasgow Libraries are delighted to welcome local author Elissa Soave to mark this milestone!
READ MOREJoin political commentator Ash Sarkar at The Glee Club Glasgow to discuss her explosive debut Minority Rule, which reveals how the collective power of ordinary people is under attack.
READ MOREThis year's Book Week Scotland theme is Hope, and Glasgow Libraries are delighted to welcome Mel Young to the Mitchell Library to discuss his book Home Game: The True Story of the Homeless World Cup.
READ MOREFor Glasgow Libraries first author event in the newly refurbished Ibrox Library, they welcome Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger Winning author D V Bishop to discuss his new novel!
READ MOREVal McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon will be joined on stage at the King's Theatre by special comedy guests to talk about the books that have left an indelible mark on them, for good and ill!
READ MOREJoin the bestselling author of The Guilty Feminist, Deborah Frances-White, at The Glee Club as she discusses her new book, Six Conversations We're Scared To Have.
READ MORELooking for something free and fun to do during the Easter School Holidays for your little ones? Look no further than the Easter Extravaganza at The Mitchell Library!
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