Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I’m sharing my review of A Short History of the World in 50 Lies by Natasha Tidd.

A Short History of the World in 50 Lies was initially published in 2023 by Michael O’Mara Books and is 288 pages long.

What its About
A Short History of the World in 50 Lies is a concise yet powerful nonfiction exploration of how falsehoods—whether propaganda, forgeries, cover-ups, or personal deceptions—have shaped world history. Spanning from ancient Rome to modern disasters such as Chernobyl, the book dissects fifty key lies that had significant consequences.

Writing Style
Tidd’s writing is crisp and engaging, and the book is divided into 50 easily digestible chapters, which unfold as self-contained vignettes explaining the lie, who told it (or spread it), what it changed, and why it still matters. The result is both entertaining and unsettling, reminding us that the stories we accept as truths are often built on shaky foundations.

I found this a fascinating read, and many of the ‘lies’ came as news to me. As I’ve said many times, I like to read at bedtime to help me nod off, and I found this one difficult to put down. Because each ‘lie’ is relatively short, the end of each one makes a great stopping point. However, with this book, the brevity of the chapters, which I usually love, is a double-edged sword because I felt compelled to read “Just one more”.

With all that said, readers seeking a deep scholarly analysis or diverse global perspective on a particular subject may find it lacking. Still, as a springboard for further research, discussion, or just a fascinating read, this book delivers.

Final Thoughts
Overall, the book is a fast, engaging primer on how untruth shapes history.

If you are looking for smart, myth-busting essays or a jumping-on point for getting into reading about history, then this might be the book for you.

I’m giving A Short History of the World an 8/10.

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Thank you, as ever, for stopping by to read my review.

Until next time,

George

© 2026 GLT

Categories: Book Reviews, Reading

Tags: book review, Facts, Falsehoods, history, lies, Non-fiction, review, rumours