Conspiracy Theory, Ian Dunt
Conspiracy Theory, Ian Dunt
List: $31.99 | Sale: $22.40
Club: $15.99

Conspiracy Theory
The Story of an Idea (An Origin Story Book)

Author: Ian Dunt, Dorian Lynskey

Narrator: Dorian Lynskey, Ian Dunt

Unabridged: 5 hr 19 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/17/2024

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

AN ORIGIN STORY BOOK

'Provides clarity, scholarship, wit and essential insight into why our world is the way it is' Adam Rutherford
'I wish I could make Ian and Dorian's work mandatory' Sathnam Sanghera

What makes people believe in conspiracy theories? Why have they taken over our political sphere? And how do we counter them before it's too late?

The world has always had conspiracy theories. From the Illuminati to the deep state, the JFK assassination to the death of Princess Diana - there have always been those who believe that events are manipulated by shadowy forces with sinister intent. But in recent years, conspiracism has colonised the mainstream. These days, it is a booming industry, a political strategy and a pseudo-religion - and it's threatening the foundations of liberal democracy.

Where once political battles were fought over ideas and values, it now feels as though we're arguing over the nature of reality itself. The problem is bigger than lizard people or UFOs: left unchecked, conspiracy theories have the power to warp the fabric of society and justify unspeakable crimes.

In Conspiracy Theory: The Story of an Idea, Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey pull back the curtain on conspiracy theories: where they come from, who promotes them, how they work and what they're doing to us. From biblical myth to online hysteria, this book explains what happens when the human gift for storytelling goes wrong - and how we might restore our common reality.

About Ian Dunt

Ian Dunt spent many years working in the heart of Westminster as editor of Politics.co.uk. He is a columnist for the i newspaper, host on the Oh God What Now and Origin Story podcasts, and regularly appears as a political pundit on TV and radio. He is the author of two previous books - Brexit: What the Hell Happens Now and How to be a Liberal.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Ceri on January 12, 2025

Thoroughly enjoyed this. After dating a full blown COVID conspiracist, I became a lot more aware of how disinformation can affect a person, those around them and how they eventually get so far down the rabbit hole that it's impossible to see the light back at the top. Now I somewhat feel sorry for t......more

Goodreads review by Colin on January 19, 2025

An admirably concise history of conspiracy theories from the Middle Ages to the present day, Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey’s latest book in their Origin Story series (other titles so far: Centrism and Fascism) provides an ideal introduction for the general reader to a complex and contested subject. Th......more

Goodreads review by Kieran on August 08, 2025

An enjoyable extension of my favourite podcast (everyone go listen to Original Story!)......more

Goodreads review by Nora|KnyguDama on August 29, 2025

2.5⭐️......more

Goodreads review by Jeremy on September 04, 2025

I was (and remain) unfamiliar with the "Story of an Idea" podcast, but I enjoyed this quick read outlining the 'story' of the conspiracy theory. Given that I love reading about conspiracy theories (check out some of my Jon Ronson reviews) and have a background in psychology and history, I have follo......more


Quotes

In a time of political turmoil, where ideas and movements are misunderstood and misrepresented, Ian and Dorian provide clarity, scholarship, wit and essential insight into why our world is the way it is

Too many concepts are bandied about in current affairs without people really understanding them. Ian and Dorian have done the hard work to separate truth from fiction and prejudice, seeking nuance wherever it is available. I wish I could make their writing mandatory