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Fake Heroes

Ten False Icons and How they Altered the Course of History

Otto English author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Headline Publishing Group

Published:25th May '23

Should be back in stock very soon

Fake Heroes cover

Otto English dives into the hidden lives of some of history's biggest names. Separating the myth-builders from the fraudsters and celebrating some of the genuine unsung heroes from our history, Fake Heroes exposes the truth of the past and helps us understand why that matters today.

From the author of Fake History, Otto English, comes a shocking yet hilarious look at ten of the greatest liars from our past, examining these previously unquestioned idols and exposing what they were trying to hide.

'A brilliant book.' James O'Brien

Was Che Guevara really a revolutionary hero?

Should Mother Teresa be honoured as a saint?

Is Henry V actually England's greatest king?

And why does JFK's legend continue to grow?

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, saints and heroes. But just how deserving are they of their reputations?

Exploring everything from Captain Scott's reckless hunt for glory and Andy Warhol's flagrant thievery to Coco Chanel's murky Nazi past, Otto English dives into the hidden lives of some of history's most recognisable names. Scrutinising figures from the worlds of art, politics, business, religion and royalty, he brings to light the murkier truths they would rather have kept buried away, at the same time as celebrating the unsung heroes lost to time.

Fake Heroes exposes the truth of the past and helps us understand why that matters today.

'A fascinating mixture of subjects and lots of offbeat information ... Eye-opening' -- Andrew Lownie
'A brilliant book' -- James O'Brien
'The most controversial book of the year' * Daily Express *
'A fascinating and humorous look at some of the seminal characters of our recent histories ... An uproarious narrative' -- Iain MacGregor, Aspects of History

ISBN: 9781802795899

Dimensions: 238mm x 160mm x 40mm

Weight: 687g

352 pages