Entertaining World History

History is full of brilliant ideas. Unfortunately, some of them were terrible. Across centuries, confident leaders, engineers, generals, and executives have looked at bold plans and said the same four words: “This will probably work.” Sometimes they were right. But sometimes… • A giant wooden horse got dragged into a city. • An “unsinkable” ship met an iceberg. • A $327 million spacecraft missed Mars because of a math error. • A soda company changed the recipe of America’s favorite drink. • Investors paid the price of a house for a flower bulb. • A luxury music ...

A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER A Waterstones Best Nature & Travel Writing Book 2025 'Educational, smart and funny’ Richard Osman ‘This book is superb’ Charlie Brooker ‘Brilliant. Fascinating. Hilarious.’ Jonn Elledge, bestselling author of A History of the World in 47 Borders The debut book...

Founded in 1922, over the last century the BBC has become Britain’s most influential broadcaster. Its programs have been part of everyday life in the UK and around the world, from Its That Man Again to Life on Earth, Doctor Who, and Eastenders, reflecting social change and reshaping our culture. However, the BBC now faces significant challenges, which may even jeopardize its continued existence. This new book draws out these issues and looks at how similar threats—including hostile governments, management failures, and new technologies—were met and overcome in the past.