• A Short History of the World in 50 Murders
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A Short History of the World in 50 Murders

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From early serial killers to the birth of criminology, award-winning author and criminologist Christos Markogiannakis examines how fifty murders shaped the course of history.A Short History of the ...
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  • 13 April 2027
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From early serial killers to the birth of criminology, award-winning author and criminologist Christos Markogiannakis examines how fifty murders shaped the course of history.

A Short History of the World in 50 Murders takes readers on a world-wide journey through the history of the most heinous of crimes – murder. Discover iconic cases such as:

  • Liu Pengli, the Han Dynasty Prince who became one of the world’s first-known serial killers
  • The twisted history of Romanian ruler, Vlad Draculea, better known as Vlad the Impaler
  • And the mysterious murders tied to Mary Queen of Scots
Throughout this book, Markogiannakis charts the evolution in how we view murder, through the rise in criminology from the 1700s and early understanding of criminal psychology, and even mental health. Alongside delving into our centuries’ long true crime fascination, it also explores the impact of front-page stories, such as Lizzie Borden and Jack the Ripper, on how we view crime today.

Also Available:

  • A Short History of the World in 50 Failures (9781789297898)
  • A Short History of the World in 50 Tyrants (9781789298956)
  • A Short History of the World in 50 Lies (9781789299410)

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Price: $19.99
Pages: 288
Publisher: Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
Imprint: Michael O'Mara Books US
Publication Date: 13 April 2027
Trim Size: 7.00 X 5.10 in
ISBN: 9781789297737
Format: Hardcover
BISACs: HISTORY / World, General & world history, TRUE CRIME / Murder / General, EDUCATION / History, HISTORY / Reference
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PRAISE FOR THE SERIES:

A Short History of the World in 50 Failures:

  • “Entertaining overview of monumental mistakes that changed human history.” - Publishers Weekly
  • "This captivating compendium of historical failures, oddities, catastrophes, and missed opportunities proves that there is more to history than achievement and progress… Anyone who appreciates history with a bit of spice will read it with great pleasure.” - Booklist

A Short History of the World in 50 Tyrants:

  • “An engaging history, designed for readers hoping to learn from the past to create a better future. Well researched and informative” - Library Journal

A Short History of the World in 50 Lies:

  • “Accessible and engaging, this book is sure to inspire readers to take another look at previously accepted historical narratives.” - Booklist (starred review)
  • “A timely approach to world history through bite-sized chapters highlighting how the lies and propaganda of the past still impact the present day.” - School Library Journal
  • “At this moment, when we are in a constant fog of propaganda, political spin, and accusations of fake news, 50 Lies is particularly relevant.” - Don Noble’s Book Reviews, Alabama Public Radio
  • “[S]hows that the march of truth isn’t always unstoppable. Lies have their own power and momentum.” - Daily Mail

Christos Markogiannakis is a Greek criminologist and author based in Paris. His work explores the dark intersection of crime psychology and art. He is the creator of Criminart, an original concept that investigates murders depicted in artworks across the world’s greatest museums, combining forensic analysis with art history and storytelling. 

His crime fiction has received critical acclaim and major literary distinctions, including the Prix Méditerranée du Polar, in 2023. Markogiannakis was appointed in 2025 Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Republic.