Show Notes
As the Library of Mistakes prepares to host its first Edinburgh Fringe performance, we speak to the show's creator, Tom Paper. Mistakes On Maps is a witty, visually immersive journey through 20 historical maps, each featuring a fascinating flaw. Encounter sea monsters in the 1539 Carta Marina, the phantom continent of Terra Australis, California drawn as an island, the Open Polar Sea, canals on Mars, and the Mountains of Kong. Were these errors accidents, ambition, propaganda or fear of empty space? Along the way, see how trade, empire, faith and imagination bent geography. Through projected maps, story and music, this show reveals how cartographers got it wrong, and what their errors reveal about us. This episode was presented by Fraser Allen & Leila Johnston Mistakes On Maps runs every day at the Library of Mistakes in Edinburgh from 7-30 August 2026 inclusive (except 17, 18, 24 and 25 August). For more information and tickets, see: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/mistakes-on-maps
More from The Library of Mistakes
Join Robbie Mochrie, organiser of our upcoming Weekend Of AI, in conversation with Eve Poole (author of Robot Souls) and Vladimir Maltsev (an ecomomist at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow). Eve and Vladimir are two of the expert speakers taking part in this exciting three-day event. In this episode, they offer provocative insights into what the rapid advance of AI may mean for students in particular. Recommended listening!
Join Russell Napier in conversation with FT journalist Robin Wigglesworth discussing his fascinating new book on the history of bonds – A Fabulous Debt: The Epic Story of How Bonds Built the Modern World.
Join Robbie Mochrie, organiser of our upcoming Weekend Of AI, in conversation with Chris Stokel-Walker (tech journalist and author of several books, including How AI Ate The World) and Ellie Howard (a commercial and financial operator who specialises in building and scaling technology businesse). Chris and Ellie are two of the expert speakers taking part in this exciting three-day event. In this episode, they offer fascinating insights into what the rapid advance of AI may mean for finance, business and society at large. Recommended listening!
It's back-to-school time for everyone at Library of Mistakes, Future Asset and Leavers' Money Skills. David Clarke, CEO of Didasko (which runs these three wonderful charities) is back from his summer holidays and brimming with enthusiasm as he looks forward to our autumn events. But first, we're excited to introduce you to our new Librarian, Emily Holmes. Discover what's already caught Emily's eye on the Library of Mistakes bookshelves, what her plans are and why she's no stranger to an ice cream scoop. Presented and produced by Fraser Allen & Leila Johnston. www.libraryofmistakes.com
Many of our listeners are interested in what financial history can tell us about the returns of financial assets – and particularly of equities. We are therefore delighted as Sandy Nairn and Michael O’Connell join Russell Napier to discuss their new paper for the University of Strathclyde – ‘What Does Shareholder Wealth Creation Tell Investors?’. Michael is an Accountancy and Finance Researcher at the University of Strathclyde. Sandy is Executive Director of Global Opportunities Trust plc, and was previously Chairman of Templeton Global Equity Group and Chief Investment Officer of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership. You can download the full report here: www.libraryofmistakes.com/blog/what-does-shareholder-wealth-creation-tell-investors