by Philip Kerr
First published 1991
Philip Kerr gathers centuries of human deception into one comprehensive anthology. He moves across continents and through time to document how lies have operated throughout recorded history. The collection features nation-changing frauds alongside intimate betrayals that expose human psychology. Kerr dissects each deception with methodical detail, revealing the mechanics behind how falsehoods take root and flourish. His survey covers political manipulation, religious fakery, scientific misconduct, and personal duplicity. Rather than treating dishonesty as unusual behavior, Kerr positions it as an essential aspect of human nature. The book maps recurring strategies that societies use to fabricate, circulate, and ultimately uncover their most significant lies. Readers discover the consistent patterns underlying deception across different eras and civilizations.
Genres: history, politics, non-fiction, deception
Vibes: intimate, methodical, thought-provoking
Tropes: unreliable-narrator
560 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books