From the author of Fake History, comes a shocking yet hilarious look at 10 of the greatest liars from our past. Otto English examines these previously unquestioned idols and exposes what they were trying to hide.
Whether it’s virtuous leaders in just wars, martyrs sacrificing all for a cause, or innovators changing the world for the better. Throughout the centuries supposedly great men and women have risen to become household names, saints and heroes. But just how deserving are they of their reputations?
Exploring everything from Captain Scott’s reckless hunt for glory and Andy Warhol’s flagrant thievery. As well as Coco Chanel’s murky Nazi past, Otto English dives into the hidden lives of some of history’s most recognisable names. He scrutinises figures from the worlds of art, politics, business, religion and royalty. Similarly, he brings to light the murkier truths they would rather have kept buried away, as well as celebrating the unsung heroes lost to time.
In this episode Gregory Dobbs chats to Otto English about the narrative arc of the hero that all these candidates share. Otto discusses the JFK post-assassination myth constructed by Jacqueline Kennedy, the revolutionary Che Guevara who turned out to be a brutal murderer. As well as the curious case of the Bunyip aristocracy that Australia narrowly avoided.
