Fake Heroes

Having exposed some of the greatest lies ever told in Fake History, journalist Otto English turns his attention to some of history's biggest (and most beloved) figures. Whether it's virtuous leaders in just wars, martyrs sacrificing all for a cause, or innovators changing the world for the better, down the centuries supposedly great men and women have risen to become household names, martyrs, demigods, saints and heroes. But just how deserving are they of their reputations? Exploring everything from Captain Scott's reckless hunt for glory to Coco Chanel's murky Nazi past, Otto English dives into the hidden lives of some of history's biggest names. Scrutinising figures from the worlds of art, politics, business, religion and royalty, and bringing to light the murkier truths that they would rather have kept buried away, while also celebrating the unsung heroes lost to time.