A young PhD student believes she has uncovered the first professional female artist in Britain. It's a discovery that could transform her career and reputation. However, in her haste to break new ground, she has made a simple mistake which threatens everything -and she won't acknowledge her error until it's far too late.

As she goes to ever greater lengths to protect her work from the truth, she begins to lose her grip on her thesis, her life and ultimately her sanity. History. A Mess. is a remarkable exploration of intellectual integrity and denial, and a gripping portrait of academic ambition.