10 Mistakes That Changed History

A comic tour of history's greatest mistakes and how they have shaped our world, packed with reckless rulers, hare-brained plans, monumental mistakes and disastrous accidents.

From breakups that ended empires to naps that sank ships, 10 Mistakes That Changed History reveals how overlooked historical errors are responsible for some of the most era-defining events of the past.

Featuring many of the most recognisable characters and episodes in history, from Cleopatra to the sinking of the Titanic, comedian and historian Paul Coulter reframes our understanding of these pivotal moments, revealing how human errors and their unintended outcomes have governed our world - and will likely determine our future.

Packed full of surprising facts and funny stories, 10 Mistakes That Changed History is a greatest hits of bad leadership decisions, misguided acts of heroism and mankind's most catastrophic lapses of judgement. These are the very human stories that have shaped our world, all with monumental consequences.

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Praise for the hit live show-

Top pick of the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, credited as one of the best shows by Scottish Herald, Mervyn Stutter and the Edinburgh Reporter.

'So engaging and entertaining that forgot I was there to review it.' Theatre Weekly

'Entertaining and informative.' Edinburgh Reporter

'The perfect balance between entertaining and educating.' Corr Blimey

'Coulter cleverly weaves the well-researched facts with modern day parallels; turning historical figures into relatable misfits.' Glam Adelaide

'Coulter's storytelling unmatched, and his references to current pop culture relevant and hilarious.' Edinburgh Fringe Review

'Infectiously charming.' LondonTheatre1

'A hilarious blend of storytelling, facts and comedy.' On the Record

About the Author

Paul Coulter is a British comedian and historian based in Sydney, Australia. Paul is the writer and performer behind the Edinburgh Festival Fringe smash-hit, sell-out historical storytelling comedy show 5 Mistakes That Changed History. The show was a huge hit on the comedy festival circuit, selling out two years in a row at both the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2023 and 2024. Popular with both history-loving audiences and critics alike, 5 Mistakes That Changed History received fantastic reviews and was named one of the 'Picks of the Fringe'. Originally from Dorset, Paul is a history fanatic and read history at University College London. In 2025, Paul will be bringing his unique blend of history, storytelling and comedy to major comedy and history festivals around the world.