10 Mistakes That Changed History: The Reckless Rulers, Monumental Mishaps and Disastrous Decisions That Have Shaped Our World.

by Paul Coulter

Brought to you by Penguin.

From breakups that ended empires to naps that sank ships, 10 Mistakes That Changed History reveals how overlooked historical errors are responsible for some of the most era-defining events of the past.

Featuring many of the most recognisable characters and episodes in history, from Cleopatra to the sinking of the Titanic, comedian and historian Paul Coulter reframes our understanding of these pivotal moments, revealing how human errors and their unintended outcomes have governed our world – and will likely determine our future.

Packed full of surprising facts and funny stories, 10 Mistakes That Changed History is a greatest hits of bad leadership decisions, misguided acts of heroism and mankind’s most catastrophic lapses of judgement. These are the very human stories that have shaped our world, all with monumental consequences.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Historical, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published June 5, 2025

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Alexander the Great to Apollo 13, Coulter explores ten historical “mistakes” and the far-reaching consequences they had on the world that followed.

I really liked Coulter's writing style. He stresses in the introduction the importance of making history more accessible (hard agree) and he definitely achieved that here. It's hard for a book to make me laugh but this one did allll the way through. V entertaining and engaging, yet not at the expense of it being so informative. Some of the “mistakes” I already had knowledge of, however even in those chapters I still learned something new.

I also really appreciated his brief reflections in the conclusion on the role mistakes play within our own lives and the ways we choose to interpret them 🏛️💕

[Emma Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like the shows the writing is so clever, engaging and hilarious! I learned so much fun facts as well as has a good chuckle over some of history’s biggest mistakes!

[izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this made my history living heart so happy

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting but I don't think some of these could be classed as "mistakes".

[James Tidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the hardback version of this book that was published in 2025.

We've all heard of the saying, We all make mistakes, but very rarely have they changed the course of history. This book is an hilarious retelling of ten of those mistakes.

Comedian, historian, and host of the live show, 5 mistakes that changed history, Paul Coulter explores how, despite the glamour, entourages and deity sized egos, historical turning points were often caused as a result of very human errors. Coulter blends history, storytelling and comedy, and you begin to wish that this is how you learned history at school.

Ferdinand Magellan's misjudgement of maps caused a great deal of problems in his seeking of a passage to Asia via the Americas. Napoleon, widely regarded as one of history's greatest military geniuses, totally misjudged the Russian winter. A ship's wireless operator switching off their radio transmitter, which had it been left on, could have saved a lot more lives when Titanic hit the iceberg. Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination was caused by a driver who hadn't been informed of the change of plan in Ferdinand's itinerary.

[Clare Laudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a minute to get into this and then I absolutely LOVED it. The perfect book for history nerding, and one of my favourite books of 2025 📚

The format is so clever in looking at 10 different characters in history (rather than one long non-fiction book about one person). I’ve learnt so many fun facts for pub quizzing and am determined to see the live show at the fringe 😍

Fingers crossed for a second book?!

[Heather McKay Guillemot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author is a comedian in addition to a historian so there are teeny chuckles inserted throughout the text. Nothing to distract, but enough to give you an occasional smile.

Each chapter is independent so if a topic does not grab you , you may skip to the next with no loss of continuity.

This book is the sort that gives you topics you now want to learn more about in a deeper dive, I would look forward to reading more of his writing.

[Marleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible.

Fun way to learn a little more about some iconic moments in history, but a little too many look-at-this-hilarious-analogies. The author does the reading of the audiobook as well, and his voice and reading wasn’t my favourite. However, still interesting information brought in a very palatable way. I would recommend.

[Brandon Power · Rating 3 out of 5]

On one hand, I felt that the list of 10 historical mistakes are fairly standard, none surprised me to be on the list.

On the other hand though, the level of depth on each topic was great and I definitely learned some things I didnt know.

[Elke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this kind of trivia

[Wondra Vanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

makes history accessible

[Crooked Eye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how factual the recounted stories are, but they're certainly entertaining.

[Emma Fedora · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Jenna Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very entertaining

[SHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some chapters more interesting than others, as you'd expect. Nice level of detail and I appreciated the attempt to make history relevant to younger generations. Would read another of his books.

[Mary C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook