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Gullible Georgians: hoaxes in the Enlightenment period

Gullible Georgians: hoaxes in the Enlightenment period

The 18th century was an age of industrialisation, scientific exploration and ‘progress’, but what happened when those rational foundations were shaken?

Isabel King

Published: May 29, 2026 at 9:00 AM

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The 18th century was an age of industrialisation, scientific exploration and ‘progress’, but what happened when those rational foundations were shaken? Cultural and art historian Madeleine Pelling – whose latest book is Hoax: Truth and Lies in the Age of Enlightenment – speaks to Isabel King about the fascinating world of hoaxes in the period, from the dangerous to the downright bizarre.

Authors

Isabel KingJunior content producer

Isabel King is a junior content producer at HistoryExtra