Fake Heroes

Was Che Guevara really a revolutionary hero?

Should Mother Teresa be honoured as a saint?

And why does JFK's legend continue to grow?

Whether it's virtuous leaders in just wars, martyrs sacrificing all for a cause, or innovators changing the world for the better, down the centuries supposedly great men and women have risen to become household names, saints and heroes. But just how deserving are they of their reputation?

Exploring everything from Captain Scott's reckless hunt for glory to Coco Chanel's murky Nazi past, Otto English turns his attention to some of history's biggest (and most beloved) figures, bringing to light the darker truths that they would rather have kept buried away, while also celebrating the unsung heroes. Fake Heroes exposes the truths of the past and helps us understand why they matter today.

'The most controversial book of the year.' Daily Express

'A fascinating mixture of subjects and lots of offbeat information... Eye-opening.' Andrew Lownie