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Natasha Tidd

A Short History of the World in 50 Lies

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Details

Imprint: O'Mara Books

Publication date: 25/09/2025

ISBN: 9781789297836

Subject: Non-Fiction

Category: Science - History - Philosophy

Binding: Paperback

Size: 178 x 129 mm

Extent: 288 pages

Illustration: B/w linocuts throughout

Territorial Rights: World (All Languages)

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Summary:

Taking readers on a global journey through human history, Natasha Tidd examines how lies can change the world around us, from Julius Caesar’s deceptive PR machine to the cover-ups that caused Chernobyl.

A Short History of the World in 50 Lies journeys through forgeries that created centuries worth of conflict and domination, such as The Donation of Constantine, that all started with a forged papal document that went on to spark the start of the European Reformation. Also uncovered are mass political and press cover-ups including the infamous Dreyfus Affair in France that explores wrongful accusations, anti-semitism and Devil’s Island.

Alongside these are examinations of how our retellings of history can turn fiction into fact, including The Spanish Inquisition’s deceitful legacy. Plus, there is an in-depth look at how historic lies can still impact our lives today, such as the deadly legacy of America’s Tuskegee Experiment.

Meet incredible people, including Jeanne de Clisson who became the fourteenth century's most feared pirate – all because of a lie.

A Short History of the World in 50 Lies details the profound impact of this secretive side of history and shows that the truth really is stranger – and far more dangerous – than any fiction.

Also available:
A Short History of the World in 50 Places (9781789291971)
A Short History of the World in 50 Animals (9781789292954)
A Short History of the World in 50 Books (9781789294088)
A Short History of the World in 50 Failures (9781789296938)

Reviews:

A Short History Of The World in 50 Lies shows that the march of truth isn’t always unstoppable. Lies have their own power and momentum.

Daily Mail

Current number one, A Short History of the World in 50 Lies by Natasha Tidd, doesn't just uncover fifty untruths that changed the course of history, but interrogates how fiction becomes fact.

The Bookseller

Sales points:

  • An in-depth and highly revelatory look at the deceit and lies that have been peddled as ‘truths’ and their impact on our history.

  • Looking around the world and throughout time, this book shines a fascinating new light on how history is written and reported.

  • Since its first publication in 2023, A Short History of the World in 50 Lies has sold over 85,000 copies in the English language and was number one on The Bookseller's history list.

  • Also in the series: A Short History of the World in 50 Failures (Over 35,000 copies sold in the English language), A Short History of the World in 50 Books, A Short History of the World in 50 Places and A Short History of the world in 50 Animals. The series has also been translated in 20 languages worldwide.

  • Natasha Tidd is a historian who is passionate about making history lively and accessible to everyone. This is her debut book. She is available for PR.

About the Author:

Natasha Tidd

Natasha Tidd is a historian and writer, specializing in ‘untold history’, mental health and gender. She has a Masters in Historical Research and is passionate about making history accessible to everyone and sharing its unsung chapters. Natasha has been published in numerous magazines.

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