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Hillsborough: The Truth
This is the definitive, unique account of the disaster in which 96 men, women, and children were killed, hundreds injured, and thousands traumatized. It details the appalling treatment endured by the bereaved and survivors in the immediate aftermath, the inhumanity of the identification process, and the vilification of fans in the national and international media. In 2012, Phil Scraton was primary author of the groundbreaking report published by the Hillsborough Independent Panel following its new research into thousands of documents disclosed by all agencies involved. Against a backdrop of almost three decades of persistent struggle by bereaved families and survivors, in this new edition he reflects on the Panel’s in-depth work, its revelatory findings and their unprecedented impact—an unreserved apology from the Prime Minister; new criminal investigations; the Independent Police Complaints Commission’s largest-ever inquiry; the quashing of 96 inquest verdicts; a review of all health and pathology policies. Paving the way for truth recovery and institutional accountability in other controversial cases, he details the process and considers the impact of the longest ever inquests, from the preliminary hearings to their comprehensive, devastating verdicts. Powerful, disturbing, and harrowing, The Truth exposes the institutional complacency that led to the unlawful killing of the 96, revealing how the interests of ordinary people are marginalized when those in authority sacrifice truth and accountability to protect their reputations.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 7, 2008
I have read this book only once and am aware that it truly needs reading 2 or 3 times to truly grasp the enormity of its implications and the disturbing nature of its conclusions.
I have a vested interest in this book, as I was there. That made my reading of it a very difficult experience, but I would imagine any civilised human being would find it disturbing too. That should not prevent you reading it. I believe that any member of this community we once could call Great Britain to read it is to open your eyes to the potential an 'authority' has to thoroughly betray its own people. It might also make you ask yourself if you are perhaps occasionally complicit in the misunderstanding of people, in the transfer of misinformation and even the abuse of others unquestionable freedoms and rights.
The facts are extremely well sourced and Prof. Scraton writes with what I think is incredible integrity, strength and clarity about an issue that some attempted to cloud and distort from the very day of its happening. Without such a book, they would have succeeded.
I don't quite know how the author managed to get through all of the information he did, but he has achieved what I believe to be as close to the truth as I know it and believe it that I have read on this subject. It must have been a trial to write this.
"Falsehood is easy, truth so difficult."
I have a vested interest in this book, as I was there. That made my reading of it a very difficult experience, but I would imagine any civilised human being would find it disturbing too. That should not prevent you reading it. I believe that any member of this community we once could call Great Britain to read it is to open your eyes to the potential an 'authority' has to thoroughly betray its own people. It might also make you ask yourself if you are perhaps occasionally complicit in the misunderstanding of people, in the transfer of misinformation and even the abuse of others unquestionable freedoms and rights.
The facts are extremely well sourced and Prof. Scraton writes with what I think is incredible integrity, strength and clarity about an issue that some attempted to cloud and distort from the very day of its happening. Without such a book, they would have succeeded.
I don't quite know how the author managed to get through all of the information he did, but he has achieved what I believe to be as close to the truth as I know it and believe it that I have read on this subject. It must have been a trial to write this.
"Falsehood is easy, truth so difficult."
November 12, 2012
Heartbreaking account of the Hillsborough tragedy... and how the SYP, the Sun newspaper and many others LIED!!!Justice for the 96.xx
June 27, 2016
I had watched the recent documentary into Hillsborough and found it compelling viewing. Having known friends (and my ex partner) who had been at Hillsborough the day the tragedy occurred I bought the latest copy of Hillsborough The Truth by Phil Scraton to read.
The book is difficult reading not just because of the terrible events that unfolded at Hillsborough but how the families were treated afterwards. Not just on the day of the tragedy but for over 25 years after, till the final truth came out and their voices were heard. I found it unbelievable all that those who lost their lives that day suffered and the relatives who suffered afterwards. The cover ups that happened and how those who were seeking justice for their loved ones were treated is truly appalling!
Not an easy read but would very much recommend this.
The book is difficult reading not just because of the terrible events that unfolded at Hillsborough but how the families were treated afterwards. Not just on the day of the tragedy but for over 25 years after, till the final truth came out and their voices were heard. I found it unbelievable all that those who lost their lives that day suffered and the relatives who suffered afterwards. The cover ups that happened and how those who were seeking justice for their loved ones were treated is truly appalling!
Not an easy read but would very much recommend this.
April 20, 2011
Very detailed, insightful, and often painful and horrifying. If you really do want to know not only what happened on 15 April 1989, but in the aftermath with the awful legal wranglings and the cover-ups that followed, if nothing else read this. Scraton balances the need for facts and accuracy with considerably compassion and sympathy, something that, as it turns out, was often lacking in the treatment of those whose relatives and friends died and those who survived.
April 27, 2022
I thought I knew most of what happened at Hillsborough but this has opened my eyes to a lot of what I didn’t know. This book is eye opening, shocking, makes you angry, disgusted at the cover up and not that I didn’t already but I felt a whole new level of respect for the families for the dignity they and the survivors have shown throughout the far too long battle for truth and justice.
I really believe this should be a class text in high schools nationwide so that future generations know exactly what happened at Hillsborough, the extent of the cover up afterwards and the length of time it took for the truth to come out and for the families to get the inquest verdicts they had to fight so long for.
There now can never be justice, but at least books like Phil’s tell the truth that anyone with half a brain cell knew from the start - that the 97 weren’t at fault, they were unlawfully killed and the survivors had nothing to do with the cause of the disaster.
JFT97 ❤️ YNWA ❤️
I really believe this should be a class text in high schools nationwide so that future generations know exactly what happened at Hillsborough, the extent of the cover up afterwards and the length of time it took for the truth to come out and for the families to get the inquest verdicts they had to fight so long for.
There now can never be justice, but at least books like Phil’s tell the truth that anyone with half a brain cell knew from the start - that the 97 weren’t at fault, they were unlawfully killed and the survivors had nothing to do with the cause of the disaster.
JFT97 ❤️ YNWA ❤️
April 27, 2018
Should be compulsory reading in this era where facts and opinions have become inter-changeable. The terrible event and the equally shaming twenty year aftermath got a worthy chronicler. Fitting it should be a academic criminologist.
Unbelievably moving
Unbelievably moving
October 7, 2019
An absolutely stunning read. The lack of convictions for the tragedy itself is concerning, but surely the bigger crime has been the lies cover up and manipulation of the media that followed by South Yorkshire Police. Proud to be a Liverpudlian.
August 13, 2017
Finished reading ... Hillsborough: The Truth / Phil Scraton ... 13 August 2017
Updated Ed. (Including the new inquest verdicts)
ISBN: 9781910948019
Excellent. Gripping. Grim.
This is the record of the 27 years long search for truth and justice by the families of the 96 people who died as a result of crushing in excessive crowds at an FA Cup semi-final match at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989. These families and their supporters never gave up in the face of police lies and cover-ups, and newspaper lies and smears of the worst kind. In fact, during and after the second inquests, the police had still not given up, still wrongly blaming the football fans for their own deaths.
Could such a disaster and aftermath happen again, in your city or mine? I think, Yes. I look at how poorly road blocks are managed when a fun run takes over my home city. If that's the best that can be managed at a relatively low key event, could the authorities and emergency services really manage a disaster?
And in any such future disaster, would the authorities, the establishment, look to protect themselves by any means possible? I remain pessimistic on that score.
For those reasons alone, this is a must-read book.
One thing was painfully obvious: “the law” is a closed world of its own. It has little to do with truth and justice. The second inquests were a hard won battle following the multiple flaws of the first inquests and a variety of inquiries and reviews.
And one sentence struck me: “ 'Closure' … is an imposed expectation [on the bereaved] for the benefit of others. “ It gives you (or me!) pause for thought.
Bought by my local library at my request.
I put in the purchase request for this book on 04 June 2017.
On 28 June came news that 6 people had been charged over Hillsborough, including the police Match Day Commander who has been charged with the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 people.
Updated Ed. (Including the new inquest verdicts)
ISBN: 9781910948019
Excellent. Gripping. Grim.
This is the record of the 27 years long search for truth and justice by the families of the 96 people who died as a result of crushing in excessive crowds at an FA Cup semi-final match at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989. These families and their supporters never gave up in the face of police lies and cover-ups, and newspaper lies and smears of the worst kind. In fact, during and after the second inquests, the police had still not given up, still wrongly blaming the football fans for their own deaths.
Could such a disaster and aftermath happen again, in your city or mine? I think, Yes. I look at how poorly road blocks are managed when a fun run takes over my home city. If that's the best that can be managed at a relatively low key event, could the authorities and emergency services really manage a disaster?
And in any such future disaster, would the authorities, the establishment, look to protect themselves by any means possible? I remain pessimistic on that score.
For those reasons alone, this is a must-read book.
One thing was painfully obvious: “the law” is a closed world of its own. It has little to do with truth and justice. The second inquests were a hard won battle following the multiple flaws of the first inquests and a variety of inquiries and reviews.
And one sentence struck me: “ 'Closure' … is an imposed expectation [on the bereaved] for the benefit of others. “ It gives you (or me!) pause for thought.
Bought by my local library at my request.
I put in the purchase request for this book on 04 June 2017.
On 28 June came news that 6 people had been charged over Hillsborough, including the police Match Day Commander who has been charged with the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 people.
May 29, 2013
when a disaster of the magnitude of hillsborough happens happens it is important to look at not simply the specific and immediate causes via actions of individuals but also the larger, effective cause of the tragedy. this is something this book does amazingly well. while not letting off the hook the police involved this book goes further and looks at how the lack of seriousness around general crowd safety and the rising hysteria around hooliganism lead to a situation where people were not only crushed but where officers and others delayed life saving measures. the boo goes further to show how police lies and the cover up not only re-victimized the dead but went on to victimize the survivors and the bereaved and in effect the entire city of liverpool. liverpool and the people living there have been continually painted as something they are not. and the grieving are still derided. the hillsborough disaster didn't need to happen. and further the injustices to the dead and the family and the smearing of the entire community should never have happen. the victims and survivors demand and deserve justice. unfortunately they have never gotten it. this book made me sad and then incredibly angry. it is an indictment of an uncaring and self-serving bureaucracy that was never interested in justice but only in self preservation. hillsborough is not just a disaster for the 96 who died but exposed for the survivors and families how the needs of institutions are seemingly more important than the 96 who died. and that is a real travesty. this was a great book.
November 24, 2017
Powerful. Harrowing. Compelling.
I often struggle reading non-fiction but this was excellently written.
This is one of those book which are hugely important and should be read by all. I am not a football fan, I was not alive when the disaster at Hillsborough occurred yet this book was incredibly compelling for me.
The build up, the moment and the aftermath of the disaster are shocking in every way. I cannot even imagine what the families of those 96 souls have gone through. Not to mention the vilified survivors of the day.
It is not only the story of this isolated incident. It is also a commentary on the state of those whom we are supposed to trust with our very lives. The police, the emergency services, the legal system. All of which were not only fatally flawed at this time (and for the following 26 years), but actively deceptive and incompetent. These institutions are part of the lives of every single person in the country, making this an incredibly important book.
Justice for the 96.
I often struggle reading non-fiction but this was excellently written.
This is one of those book which are hugely important and should be read by all. I am not a football fan, I was not alive when the disaster at Hillsborough occurred yet this book was incredibly compelling for me.
The build up, the moment and the aftermath of the disaster are shocking in every way. I cannot even imagine what the families of those 96 souls have gone through. Not to mention the vilified survivors of the day.
It is not only the story of this isolated incident. It is also a commentary on the state of those whom we are supposed to trust with our very lives. The police, the emergency services, the legal system. All of which were not only fatally flawed at this time (and for the following 26 years), but actively deceptive and incompetent. These institutions are part of the lives of every single person in the country, making this an incredibly important book.
Justice for the 96.
July 30, 2012
If you were at Hillsborough this is not an easy book to pick up never mind read. You have the beginning, the middle but no end to the darkest days of the fimiles of 96 loved ones and thousands of survivors one of the worst days in modern Britsih social history.
If you were not there it may be easier to pick up but reading it will certainly not be easy, it describes in the most gruesome of detail the intracacies of the disaster that unfolded and how lives were lost.
You will also see where the fight for justice comes from and to see the treatment of the families who lost loved ones, amid lies and incompetence of the establishment and the legal process will infuriate and disturb many a reader.
Phil Scraton does an amazing job on bringing it all together, the book none of us ever wish was written needs to be read to educate new generations of people who need to understand.
If you were not there it may be easier to pick up but reading it will certainly not be easy, it describes in the most gruesome of detail the intracacies of the disaster that unfolded and how lives were lost.
You will also see where the fight for justice comes from and to see the treatment of the families who lost loved ones, amid lies and incompetence of the establishment and the legal process will infuriate and disturb many a reader.
Phil Scraton does an amazing job on bringing it all together, the book none of us ever wish was written needs to be read to educate new generations of people who need to understand.
January 18, 2017
A book that should be read by everybody who seeks the truth from its society
A disturbing account of what can happen when society's trusted institutions decide to distort the facts and lie to save their own skins regardless of the hurt they will cause the bereaved.
A disturbing account of what can happen when society's trusted institutions decide to distort the facts and lie to save their own skins regardless of the hurt they will cause the bereaved.
July 7, 2017
An absolutely incredible book, meticulously researched and pitch perfectly delivered by Scraton. I considered myself fairly well versed on the subject, I can still remember watching the tragedy unfold on the TV as a 10 year old. This revealed so much more to me though, the institutional cover-up, the lies, the horrendous way that the familes and survivors have been treated from literally moments after the disaster genuinely beggars belief. Disgusted to read what Clough's comments about the occasion were as well, yes he was an old drunk at that point but still, completely inexcusable. The first half mainly focuses on the day itself and Scraton paints a vivid picture that moved me to tears several times. The second half focuses on the years of campaigning for justice and the lies, obstacles and cover-ups that have stood in the way of that. An essential read for anyone with even a passing interest. A truly brilliant work.
January 26, 2018
It has taken me about a week to compose myself to review this book. Not an angry person by nature but I hope that everyone involved in this sickening cover up spins in their graves.
The book itself is really well written and manages to simplify the complex legal system into digestible bits. The main points of the topic related to Hillsborough - the pre-existing concerns about the ground safety and capacity, the policing decisions and control on the day, the perception of crowd behaviour, the subsequent treatment of the Merseyside community, the allegations by police after the event, the doctoring of statements, the focus on blaming alcohol as a influence, the limits of the remit for each judicial stage - all set out clearly and touched upon again during the journey of the families through the legal system.
That this could happen to people out to watch a football game is dreadful. That those responsible decided to lie and continue to lie for 30 years is despicable. YNWA.
The book itself is really well written and manages to simplify the complex legal system into digestible bits. The main points of the topic related to Hillsborough - the pre-existing concerns about the ground safety and capacity, the policing decisions and control on the day, the perception of crowd behaviour, the subsequent treatment of the Merseyside community, the allegations by police after the event, the doctoring of statements, the focus on blaming alcohol as a influence, the limits of the remit for each judicial stage - all set out clearly and touched upon again during the journey of the families through the legal system.
That this could happen to people out to watch a football game is dreadful. That those responsible decided to lie and continue to lie for 30 years is despicable. YNWA.
November 26, 2023
This was very difficult to read primarily because of the human tragedy but also due to the repeated and consistent mistreatment of the victims and their families by repeated lies and misleading statements from the police and media. It is no wonder to me why Liverpool fans hold this day and tragedy so near, even 35 years later.
I also found this book easy to read in that it is laid out well, moves through the loads of evidence in a methodical way and draws clear conclusions. I’ll also admit that the author does have a definite point t of view here and it’s written that way. But for any football fan who is curious about the events of the day and the aftermath I would recommend this as an important read.
I also found this book easy to read in that it is laid out well, moves through the loads of evidence in a methodical way and draws clear conclusions. I’ll also admit that the author does have a definite point t of view here and it’s written that way. But for any football fan who is curious about the events of the day and the aftermath I would recommend this as an important read.
June 25, 2024
Years ago I saw a documentary about the Hillsborough disaster that I found impressive, and so I decided to read the book as well. Not only the disaster - which could have been prevented - but especially the operation, with so many persons involved, to place the blame on the victims is a bizarre story.
The first part of the book, about the disaster and the search by relatives for the victims, is a fast read. But I found the legal part more difficult to read, this is also because the English legal system is different from the legal system in my own country.
All in all an impressive book with finally recognition for those close to the victims, but unfortunately that came many years too late.
The first part of the book, about the disaster and the search by relatives for the victims, is a fast read. But I found the legal part more difficult to read, this is also because the English legal system is different from the legal system in my own country.
All in all an impressive book with finally recognition for those close to the victims, but unfortunately that came many years too late.
July 8, 2017
An absolute monument of a book to a Britain that I hope we have left behind. Contemptuous behaviour by the Tory classes of a society divided then, arguably even more so now so while I retain hope I have yet to see it realised.
The treatment meted out to football fans then and still to an extent now is a national stain on the British elite (so-called). You cannot fail to be moved by this mighty piece of work that has been out there for near on 30 years yet still no convictions? Although a start is now made.
I would urge you also to read just about the finest polemic on football *The Sun Still Shines* by Adrian Tempany which gets ***** too
The treatment meted out to football fans then and still to an extent now is a national stain on the British elite (so-called). You cannot fail to be moved by this mighty piece of work that has been out there for near on 30 years yet still no convictions? Although a start is now made.
I would urge you also to read just about the finest polemic on football *The Sun Still Shines* by Adrian Tempany which gets ***** too
May 8, 2020
It's a hard read in the sense that - as a football fan that has attended matches from the early eighties - and later with my son - it brings up a lot emotional memories (it could have happened to me/us). I'm not a Liverpool supporter (Leeds United is my team), but reading the book I feel like one. The injustice these poor fans and families had to endure for 23 years before it was put right can never be forgiven. Thank God that things have improved after all when watching football at the stadium these days.
December 23, 2024
A story of a cover up that if Professor Scraton didn’t have the documentary evidence it would be impossible to believe. As the lead for the Hillsborough Independent Panel Scraton meticulously lays out the pre match errors and the post match lies that were promulgated to try and deflect the blame for this tragedy on to the innocent Liverpool fans and away from authorities such as South Yorkshire Police, the Football Association, Sheffield Ambulance Service and ultimately the government’s of Margaret Thatcher and her successors until the heroic Gordon Brown agreed to the formation of the HIP.
May 25, 2017
A difficult book to read.
At first the stories from survivors of the day, then people looking for their loved ones and how they where treated in the immidiate aftermath. Reading the book I went from a deep sorrow to a sharp anger reading about and unvailing the cover-up by the police.
I have never doubted the liverpool story and jft96, but reading about it all is overwhelming
At first the stories from survivors of the day, then people looking for their loved ones and how they where treated in the immidiate aftermath. Reading the book I went from a deep sorrow to a sharp anger reading about and unvailing the cover-up by the police.
I have never doubted the liverpool story and jft96, but reading about it all is overwhelming
June 30, 2018
Very interesting account of the event. It’s so hard to believe the initial cover up and how these people thought they were actually going to get away with their lies. Hard to comprehend how awful it must have been for the victims family and it’s awful just how long it took to get justice. Well worth reading but hard going at times.
June 2, 2022
Stunning and forensic account of the Hillsborough disaster throwing shame on the South Yorkshire police accusing Liverpool fans of causing 96 deaths. Shamefully falsifying evidence.
A must read for students of criminology showing how those in authority attempt to escape being held to account for avoidable deaths.
A must read for students of criminology showing how those in authority attempt to escape being held to account for avoidable deaths.
November 6, 2022
This was probably the most powerful thing I have ever read. I grew up in Sheffield but was only 8 when the tragedy happened, I became desensitised to the news over the years. The Truth made me cry for so many reasons. Phil Scraton is not only an amazing criminologist, campaigner but a truly talented writer. I offer my thanks to him for everything he did
January 28, 2025
A truly heartbreaking read but Prof Phil Scratons fight for justice should be applauded, without his work many families wouldn't have the answers they have today, his 'no stone left unturned' attitude is clear in this book and however tough it is to read I commend this book to anyone who wishes to understand more about 'The truth'.
November 10, 2017
A massively important book about a seminal event in any football fan's life. Provokes rage, anguish, despair and ultimately tears of joy at the righting of the injustice done to 96 Liverpool supporters and their families by the organs of a callously indifferent State and it's vindictive media.
February 7, 2022
An incredibly important book. The depths of Scraton’s research and reporting are truly amazing. His prose isn’t always the most gripping, and there are times in the book where the amount of details is overwhelming, but it’s the amount of details that make this book a landmark achievement.
July 12, 2025
Superbly researched over decades this book walks you through the the day of the disaster, the subsequent media frenzy, coroners reports, trials and finally a second inquest that uncovers the truth about what happened.
September 4, 2017
Scarily detailed, horrible to think of what the families have been through. Was hooked on the extent to which the authorities buried the truth. Grateful things have come through for the families.
April 16, 2019
Essential reading.
June 7, 2019
Deeply hearbreaking. A must read, thorough account of the events during that tragic day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews