• 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 World in 50 Murders takes readers...
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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
  • “[C]leverly droll but chillingly accurate portraits of history's worst.” - Booklist

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.

Introduction

Part I: Ancient History

  • Ephialtes of Athens
  • Philip II of Macedon
  • Liu Pengli
  • Julius Caesar
  • Caracalla
  • Hypatia

Part II: Medieval History

  • Ali ibn Abi Talib
  • Nikephoros II Phokas
  • Thomas Becket
  • Gilles de Rais
  • Vlad II Dracul
  • King Edward V

Part III: Early Modern History

  • Atahualpa
  • Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley
  • The Night of Saint Bartholomew
  • Ivan the Terrible
  • Beatrice Cenci
  • Elizabeth Báthory
  • Charlotte Corday

Part IV: Modern History

  • Burke and Hare
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Maximilian I of Mexico
  • Ned Kelly
  • Alexander II of Russia
  • Jack the Ripper
  • Lizzie Borden
  • Bridget Cleary
  • Franz Ferdinand
  • Grigori Rasputin
  • The Romanovs
  • Saint Valentine’s Massacre
  • Pavlik Morozov
  • The Papin Sisters
  • The Night of the Long Knives
  • Leon Trotsky
  • Black Dahlia
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • Ruth Ellis
  • John F Kennedy
  • Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara
  • Martin Luther King Jr
  • Sharon Tate
  • The Circeo Murders
  • Ted Bundy
  • Aldo Moro
  • The Jonestown Massacre
  • Harvey Milk
  • John Lennon
  • Anwar Sadat
  • Olof Palme

Afterword

Acknowledgements

Bibliography

Index