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 turnfiction 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.