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The Concise Book of Lying

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Using history, mythology, anecdotes, and analyses to trace the evolution of deception throughout time, from the Bible to modern-day society, a fascinating and revealing guide discusses what motivates people to lie, what is involved in concocting an effective lie, and what the repercussions are once the lie has been dispatched. 10,000 first printing.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

5 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Evelin Sullivan

7 books2 followers
Born 1947.

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Marsha.
Author 2 books39 followers
June 21, 2023
Ms. Sullivan’s delving into this curious habit of deception is a memorable read, the kind that spans history, philosophy, government, war, psychology and natural science without ever being confusing, boring or dull. It’s the kind of book that lends itself to introspection and spirited conversation with friends and colleagues. She warns that there are examples she is no doubt omitting. But the ones she’s picked and explored within these pages are ample fodder for cogitation, discussion and further literary exploration, which she has handily provided in her notes.

Like it or not, deception is part and parcel of the human psyche. Would I lie to you about this?
Profile Image for Lora Shouse.
Author 1 book31 followers
December 6, 2019
This is a scholarly book about lying. But it is eminently readable.

It may not cover every possible aspect of lying, but it touches on all the major points, including the morality – or lack thereof – of lying, the types of lies, the motivations for lying, the psychology of lying, the history of lying, deception in international relations, and deception in the natural world. This last seems to indicate that possibly deception is built into the fabric of the universe, despite its questionable morality.

There is also a discussion of lying as an art form, as in the tall tale and other works of fiction. And there is a section on how to lie that includes an analysis of that fictional master liar, Iago, from Shakespeare's Othello.

This was a library book.
15 reviews
July 25, 2017
I tried to read the whole book but I felt her writing was making me to lose my interest. Very wordy.
Profile Image for Mark Harris.
331 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2017
For the most part a review of liars and lying in literature, movies, and TV.
Profile Image for Ashley.
16 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2007

Pretty interesting history of lying and deception beginning with the Torah (Old Testament) and Greek/Roman myth, traversing philosophy and psychology and landing in the science of evolution, human and otherwise.

Covers why we lie, how we lie, what makes a successful lie, pros and cons and how it affects our society and development as a species.

I recommend it!
Profile Image for Nathan "N.R." Gaddis.
1,342 reviews1,639 followers
Read
December 19, 2016
Disappointing. A sexy topic, but too much designed for a popular audience to get my hackles terribly interested. Too bad really. But honestly I wouldn't've gotten within ten yards of it if I hadn't been having such a rip=roaring good time with Sullivan's fiction. I mean, for my lights, I don't think the topic can be handled 'concisely' ; only a Burton=size anatomy or a RURDli-esque systematic questioning would be adequate. But if you do want a really existing book on the topic with a bit more rigor, I would suspect that Bok's Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life will fit the bill.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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