One of the most interesting sections is devoted to the creation of myths, such as the "miracle" of the Dunkirk retreat, the Battle of Britain fought by "the few" and the supremacy of Bomber Command.
Perhaps, as one of the several enthusiastic blurbs that adorn the dust jacket would have it, Mr. Ackroyd has intended a Swiftian commentary on the creation of myths and beliefs about ourselves and others.
"I think the creation of myths is essentially the human reaction to witnessing a natural process that you cannot explain, says Haraldur Sigurdsson, a volcanologist at the University of Rhode Island, US. "So you attribute it to supernatural forces and you say it is a battle between the giants and the gods".
The result of this campaign was the establishment of a vast empire which in turn set into motion the creation of a myth, a myth so strong that it still captivates the imagination of millions of people.
This form of policing led to the creation of the myth of the "tough street cop" who handled all problems on his beat through the application of physical punishment an image that still dominates police lore and media portrayals.
He also is pushing the committee to finally finish its investigation into the creation of the myth of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.
Commissioner Ford Frick proposed created a second record for 162-game seasons; a misunderstanding of Frick's proposal led to the creation of a myth that there is an asterisk attached to Maris's place in the record books.
The piece, titled "Gaddafi," will be "an examination of the creation of a myth," and will tell the story of a man born into a Bedouin tribe who becomes a powerful political leader, the opera company said.
The royal family were in part responsible for the creation of the myth of the ordinary family meal, with father Prince Albert, mother Queen Victoria and children sitting down together, although aristocratic children were, in fact, largely fed in the nursery.
On the other hand, it's about the creation of resonant myths and rituals.
Yeasayer's magpie music also reflects their constant banter, which has led to the creation of some myths about them.
