I was taught NOT to use Wikipedia for any research
Probably good advice.... but where do we go for reliable information these days? Just because books are written by academics does not mean that they are sources that can be trusted. Some highly qualified writers have written books in denial of the holocaust - yet there is firm historic evidence that it did happen. Recent events have shown us that as far as prominent politicians of a wide range of persuasions are concerned, we live in a 'post-truth' society.
Even when I was at school, I can remember people coming out with statements and ending them with ".... and that is the Gospel truth!" and I remember thinking, "... but the Gospels are riddled with fantastic lies!"