The Library of Mistakes

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

LIVE RECORDING
Welcome to a special episode of the podcast recorded live at the Library of Mistakes and featuring a debate between two distinguished former investment practitioners – Andrew Milligan and Sandy Nairn.

The question they debate is: 'Does history shows that current market valuations for AI are nuts?'

Andrew, with his experience as a global strategist over many years, believes their value might be overextended, while Sandy, with his keen knowledge of technology, believes AI could herald a seismic change that might justify some of the excitement.

Listen in and join in the fun, ably hosted by Robbie Mochrie and compered by David Clarke, with plenty of lively contributions from the floor.

You can also watch this debate on our YouTube channel, as well as many other fascinating lectures.

We have a real treat for you this time as we speak to financial crime expert Anja Shortland. After books on art theft and kidnapping, Anja has now turned her attention to ransomware, with her latest title We Know You Can Pay a Million – and offers fascinating glimpses into the business practices of the international criminals involved.
Fraser Allen and Leila Johnston also hear from Future Asset's Jemma McLean about further celebrations of the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, while David Clarke bids a fond farewell to our brilliant Librarian Helen Williams.

www.libraryofmistakes.com

Blue Blood tells the story of Cazenove & Co., the prestigious stockbroking firm founded in 1823. Former CEO Robert Pickering reveals what happened in 2000 when the firm decided to abandon its traditional partnership structure, raise external capital and prepare for a stock market flotation. He then describes to Russell Napier the difficult years that followed as the firm reshaped its business, entered a joint venture with J.P. Morgan and ultimately moved towards a full takeover by the US banking giant (and what it felt like when the two working cultures collided).

www.libraryofmistakes.com

There are plenty of books suggesting ways in which wealthy people can invest their money, but very few for people who lack the investment funds in the first place. After suffering his own financial challenges, US academic Joseph S. Moore dipped into history to conduct a series of experiments in how to get the rich 'the American way'. That resulted in a funny, eye-opening and optimistic book, sparking an illuminating discussion between Joseph and Russell Napier for our latest episode.

www.libraryofmistakes.com