History's Greatest Deceptions and the People Who Planned Them

Human history is positively shrouded in the dark arts of deceit and subterfuge. According to the Bible, the story of mankind began with the Serpent's lie to Eve, and we have happily profited from deceiving our brothers and sisters ever since. No matter the period or place, the religion or ideology, individuals and institutions have schemed and scammed their way into positions of power and wealth, taking full advantage of man's unique capacity for believing almost anything. With no little skill and imaginative flair, History's Greatest Deceptions chronicles the 50 most remarkable tales of fraud and forgery. This beautifully presented volume, which includes over 80 photographs, paintings, and illustrations, shines a light on the compelling personalities inside the stories, and explores the motivations behind some of the most ambitiously dishonest acts known to humankind.