Fake Heritage

John Darlington is executive director of World Monuments Fund Britain.

Darlington is a well-travelled, polymathic archaeologist [and] a man of great energy and enthusiasms...who generously shows off his knowledge.”—Jonathan Meades, Literary Review“[F]ull of comparably entertaining case studies — tales of human and architectural folly...It also warns the reader that little of the man-made world is left untouched by the curation, or falsification, of historical appearance.”—John Maier, Spectator“[Darlington] concludes that whether fakery is good or bad is often nuanced, but that it’s important to “look closer, be curious, challenge” what’s in front of us to understand better what we’re being presented with. He’s right and this enjoyable book offers a good way to learn how to do that.”—Martin Bentham, Evening Standard“As John Darlington shows in Fake Heritage, it is not just written history that is malleable; it is also history on the ground, heritage in brick and stone, wood and metal.”—Simon Jenkins, Times Literary Supplement  “Darlington's book [offers] an alternative view, one where architecture is equally obsessed with remaking its own past.”—Charles Holland, Apollo Magazine“It is a good read, nicely illustrated and is timely, given the controversies about statues and the vexed ownership of the past.”—Bernard Richards, Oxford Magazine"As the author adds examples he adds layers of complexity...The important thing is to be aware of that and to base one’s reaction to the presentation of the past on sound knowledge and appropriate perspective. Fake Heritage is an excellent way to start."—Historic House 'Editor's Pick'“Concisely written, and the numerous colour images are excellent.”—Jerry Glover, Fortean Times“To make a judgement, you have to inspect the actual building or monument to assess whether it is well or badly done...John Darlington’s book does just this, surveying the worldwide appetite for retro architecture from second rate theme parks to scholarly reconstructions.”—Marcus Binney, SAVE Newsletter“Darlington’s writing is engaging...He presents a huge selection of case studies, drawn from ancient times to the present day. Entertainment value alone makes it a worthwhile read. There is much in it that, I suspect, most of us did not know.”—Robert Beavis, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists“John Darlington…in this attractively produced, accessible book, has provided an engaging tour d'horizon with numerous examples.”—John Bold, Journal of Historic Buildings and Places