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The Greatest Lies in History
"The Greatest Lies in History examines specific episodes in history to identify the reasons why politicians, religious leaders and others have supported some of the most outrageous lies. Analytical in approach, it examines the lie, the official truth, the historical evidence and the legacy of the lie. Case studies include the true story of the fate of the prisoners of the Bastille in the French Revolution; the deliberate damage done to King Richard III's reputation by his Tudor successors; serious questioning of the traditional justification of D-Day in World War II; and many more."
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Canduci
3 books1 followerAlexander Canducci is a Historian, Health Information Manager and Author from Sydney, Australia.
Canducci has a a strong interest in the history of Rome and Byzantium, and the history of England. He has been writing books for over 20 years on the subject of history.
In his personal life, Canducci is married and has three children.
Canducci has a a strong interest in the history of Rome and Byzantium, and the history of England. He has been writing books for over 20 years on the subject of history.
In his personal life, Canducci is married and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 1, 2025
The publisher's synopsis makes this book sound not only fascinating but almost important. The fact is that the book is superficial and what is worse biased - which is pretty damning for a book damning official lies - it is a disappointment and a waste of time.
June 2, 2016
I found much of this book to be pretty interesting and I would say I really enjoyed about 75% of it. The other 25% I found pretty annoying. My problems mostly lie with the author's bias or stating his opinion as fact.
Some of the book seems like the author is making claims while ignoring historical context. For example, he will make a claim criticizing some political leader from 700 years ago because they tortured some people or arrested them without a trial. That seems really bad by todays standards, but back then it was hardly unusual.
The author liked writing "modern day Palestine." That doesn't exist. That is like saying modern day Czechoslovakia.
I disagree with the author's perspective on the first Crusade. The author claims that the crusades were made up of a bunch of murderers, rapists, and thieves and the only point was to conquer territory and take power from the Byzantine Empire. He wrote that the Pope created the crusade primarily because he was more concerned with the Byzantines than with the Muslims. The purpose of the crusade was to defend against Muslim aggression and the defense of Christendom, which wasn't necessarily about Islam vs Christianity, but Islamic authority vs Christian authority. The author claims that the fact that the conquerors of the first crusade did not give up the land to the Byzantine Emperor as proof that the point of the crusade was to weaken him. They just didn't give it up because they wanted it for themselves. There were undoubtedly many crusaders who were horrible people, but that could likely be said of any army at that time. Also contrary to what the author claims, the crusade does not stand out in terms of brutality for the time period. Again, it is only distinctively horrific relative to the modern world. The author traces the reasons for 9/11 and all of the middle east's problems back to the crusades, like the people living there are still primarily motivated by events almost 1000 years ago. The motivating factors driving the violence in the Middle East are far more recent and really have nothing to do with the crusades.
I thought the author did an excellent job on others subjects though. For example, the chapter on Galileo was very well done and is probably one of the least understood and most talked about today.
Some of the book seems like the author is making claims while ignoring historical context. For example, he will make a claim criticizing some political leader from 700 years ago because they tortured some people or arrested them without a trial. That seems really bad by todays standards, but back then it was hardly unusual.
The author liked writing "modern day Palestine." That doesn't exist. That is like saying modern day Czechoslovakia.
I disagree with the author's perspective on the first Crusade. The author claims that the crusades were made up of a bunch of murderers, rapists, and thieves and the only point was to conquer territory and take power from the Byzantine Empire. He wrote that the Pope created the crusade primarily because he was more concerned with the Byzantines than with the Muslims. The purpose of the crusade was to defend against Muslim aggression and the defense of Christendom, which wasn't necessarily about Islam vs Christianity, but Islamic authority vs Christian authority. The author claims that the fact that the conquerors of the first crusade did not give up the land to the Byzantine Emperor as proof that the point of the crusade was to weaken him. They just didn't give it up because they wanted it for themselves. There were undoubtedly many crusaders who were horrible people, but that could likely be said of any army at that time. Also contrary to what the author claims, the crusade does not stand out in terms of brutality for the time period. Again, it is only distinctively horrific relative to the modern world. The author traces the reasons for 9/11 and all of the middle east's problems back to the crusades, like the people living there are still primarily motivated by events almost 1000 years ago. The motivating factors driving the violence in the Middle East are far more recent and really have nothing to do with the crusades.
I thought the author did an excellent job on others subjects though. For example, the chapter on Galileo was very well done and is probably one of the least understood and most talked about today.
April 3, 2019
What a fascinating and enlightening book! History is one of my great loves and I always enjoy finding out more or learning new things that I have never heard before. This book certainly had that. Canduci had a fantastic selection of tales throughout history and was not overly biased in one area over another. His observations and insights were enthralling. I loved the selection of images - their quality was outstanding! The writing flowed well, and was not disjointed as he explored each topic. A well-rounded exploration of history and the why and how certain things get written and passed down. 4.5 stars.
January 1, 2017
I enjoyed reading these 25 easy to read essays or excursions into what some people take for granted as 'history'. Canduci suggests otherwise, and provides arguments to stimulate a re-think on what is passed on as 'truth' but which, with a little digging, might prove otherwise: perhaps a more 'realistic' appreciation. Alternative narratives co-exist for many, if not all significant historical events presented in the past as 'received wisdom'.
This book is another in the many which suggest that 'history' is what is written by the winners. Winners reinforce their point-of-view. Their narratives can be said to be, in the most unambiguous ways, deceptions, which we the readers perpetuate when we take them as representing truth.
Canduci's range covers just about all of human history. The 25 events he chooses to elaborate on are those he feels are the most significant examples of 'spin, doublespeak, buck-passing and official cover-ups' (as it says on the cover). With any luck, the reader of this work will learn to take contemporary reports of historical events with the appropriate number of grains of salt, to avoid being mislead again.
This book is another in the many which suggest that 'history' is what is written by the winners. Winners reinforce their point-of-view. Their narratives can be said to be, in the most unambiguous ways, deceptions, which we the readers perpetuate when we take them as representing truth.
Canduci's range covers just about all of human history. The 25 events he chooses to elaborate on are those he feels are the most significant examples of 'spin, doublespeak, buck-passing and official cover-ups' (as it says on the cover). With any luck, the reader of this work will learn to take contemporary reports of historical events with the appropriate number of grains of salt, to avoid being mislead again.
April 20, 2019
The Greatest Lies In History, is a fantastic, easy to read book. When I first picked up the book, I thought it was going to be a collection of conspiracy theories, but instead it was based on hard fact and evidence, telling accurate and fascinating stories about government propaganda throughout history.
The Book covers a vast number of time periods, ranging from Ancient Egypt to Mao's China. If you are interested in world history, then there will definitely be something in the book for you. Admittedly, there are probably many, many lies not discussed, however the ones which are, are captivating.
Aside from a general sense of bias towards the British, the book is generally even handed and informative, with conclusions being drawn from facts rather than opinions. The obvious exception to this is in the legacy section of Each chapter, which draws from his own opinion and alternative history speculation. A seperate criticism would be how the infomraiton is presented. Soetimes a fact is stated several times, not too log after the previous. This is probably more of a personal grievance than a literary one, my eyes sometimes glazed over as I read something that had just been covered on the previous page.
In conclusion, I really liked it. I did get a bit annoyed towards the end with regards to the legacies, but putting that aside, the book is a great read.
The Book covers a vast number of time periods, ranging from Ancient Egypt to Mao's China. If you are interested in world history, then there will definitely be something in the book for you. Admittedly, there are probably many, many lies not discussed, however the ones which are, are captivating.
Aside from a general sense of bias towards the British, the book is generally even handed and informative, with conclusions being drawn from facts rather than opinions. The obvious exception to this is in the legacy section of Each chapter, which draws from his own opinion and alternative history speculation. A seperate criticism would be how the infomraiton is presented. Soetimes a fact is stated several times, not too log after the previous. This is probably more of a personal grievance than a literary one, my eyes sometimes glazed over as I read something that had just been covered on the previous page.
In conclusion, I really liked it. I did get a bit annoyed towards the end with regards to the legacies, but putting that aside, the book is a great read.
May 20, 2022
It does exactly what is says on the tin, examining lies that span from Ancient Egypt up till the 20th century. Canduci has clearly done his research, and I will definitely be looking up some of the works he lists in the robust 'Further Reading' and 'Additional Sources' sections.
The one downside I can think of is that taken in a pessimistic light, 'The Greatest Lies in History' is a pretty depressing record of how awful human beings can be to each other. Most of the events it covers are proof that history is written by victors, and that absolute power corrupts absolutely; but the fact that this book sets the record straight makes it all the more significant. In a world confronted by tsunamis of fake news, I find Canduci's work a reassuring bastion of truth.
The one downside I can think of is that taken in a pessimistic light, 'The Greatest Lies in History' is a pretty depressing record of how awful human beings can be to each other. Most of the events it covers are proof that history is written by victors, and that absolute power corrupts absolutely; but the fact that this book sets the record straight makes it all the more significant. In a world confronted by tsunamis of fake news, I find Canduci's work a reassuring bastion of truth.
October 19, 2020
My first impression was very bad - this bombastic title.
As a result I treated the book initially with some suspicion and needed some time to regain confidence.
Second impression was also on negative side - lies that shaped the world.
For initial few stories from antiquity I did not find any serious consequences of a lie.
On the positive side I put interesting format of each story and solid work over historical data.
At this stage the deficiency was on my side - I felt overwhelmed with number and variety of facts and details.
I admit - this book was too hard for me.
Stories I enjoyed/appreciated most: Galileo, Vichy government, Fire of Rome, Chairman Mao win.
As a result I treated the book initially with some suspicion and needed some time to regain confidence.
Second impression was also on negative side - lies that shaped the world.
For initial few stories from antiquity I did not find any serious consequences of a lie.
On the positive side I put interesting format of each story and solid work over historical data.
At this stage the deficiency was on my side - I felt overwhelmed with number and variety of facts and details.
I admit - this book was too hard for me.
Stories I enjoyed/appreciated most: Galileo, Vichy government, Fire of Rome, Chairman Mao win.
October 19, 2020
My first impression was very bad - this bombastic title.
As a result I treated the book initially with some suspicion and needed some time to regain confidence.
Second impression was also on negative side - lies that shaped the world.
For initial few stories from antiquity I did not find any serious consequences of a lie.
On the positive side I put interesting format of each story and solid work over historical data.
At this stage the deficiency was on my side - I felt overwhelmed with number and variety of facts and details.
I admit - this book was too hard for me.
Stories I enjoyed/appreciated most: Galileo, Vichy government, Fire of Rome, Chairman Mao win.
As a result I treated the book initially with some suspicion and needed some time to regain confidence.
Second impression was also on negative side - lies that shaped the world.
For initial few stories from antiquity I did not find any serious consequences of a lie.
On the positive side I put interesting format of each story and solid work over historical data.
At this stage the deficiency was on my side - I felt overwhelmed with number and variety of facts and details.
I admit - this book was too hard for me.
Stories I enjoyed/appreciated most: Galileo, Vichy government, Fire of Rome, Chairman Mao win.
January 25, 2021
Great read with a number of fantastic short stories on key pieces of history
October 16, 2013
Informative portrayal of world events. It took some time to finish because their is too much goddamn detail. Not like "Oh yea that's interesting tell me more," It's like "King Henry had 13 siblings, these are their names, occupations and favorite bands." So it's boring lol. I'd say about 1/3 of the accounts tells about how 1 side made the other side look like the instigator to war. HMMMMMMM. WHERE HAS THAT HAPPENED RECENTLY?
This book draws an important conclusion: The official story is not always the truth, because the victor writes history to best serve their interests...
This book draws an important conclusion: The official story is not always the truth, because the victor writes history to best serve their interests...
February 26, 2011
This was a very interesting book. However, the author was off the mark regarding some of his assumptions and facts. For instance, he clearly failed to appreciate the risks and reasons the average American colonial knew he was taking when he decided to fight the British. By the end of the book, I was wondering if he had misinterpreted other historical events. I had to ask myself how much of it was purely his opinion.
November 3, 2015
I was a bit surprised that all chapters were written by one person. Some are good, some are bad and some are poorly researched.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews