A Treasury of Deception: Liars, Misleaders, Hoodwinkers, and the Extraordinary True Stories of History's Greatest Hoaxes, Fakes and Frauds (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: New York, United States, Howard Hughes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

We may say that honesty is the best policy, but history—to say nothing of business, politics, and the media—suggests otherwise. In this infinitely citable book, the author of two bestselling treasuries of scandal recounts some of the greatest deceptions of all time. With what forged document did the Vatican lay claim to much of Europe? Who wrote Hitler’s diaries? Why do millions still believe the vague doggerel that Nostradamus passed off as prophecy? Organizing his material by theme (con artists, the press, military trickery, scientific fraud, imposters, great escapes, and more), Michael Farquhar takes in everything from the hoodwinking of Hitler to Vincent "the Chin" Gigante’s thirty-year crazy act. A Treasury of Deception is a zestful, gossipy exposé—and celebration—of mendacity.

A Treasury of Deception also includes:
• Ten tricksters from scripture
• Ten great liars in literature
• Ten egregious examples of modern American doublespeak
• Ten classic deceptions from Greek mythology

About the Author

Michael Farquhar is a writer and editor at the Washington Post specializing in history. He is the author of the bestsellers A Treasury of Great American Scandals and A Treasury of Royal Scandals. He appeared on the History Channel’s Russia, Land of the Tsars and will be featured on a forthcoming program about the French Revolution.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (May 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0143035444
• ISBN-13: 978-0143035442
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #282,723 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Very Light, June 14, 2005

By	Ricky Hunter (New York City, NY United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Michael Farquhar has created another bathroom book for the history-loving set. This one, Treasury of Deception, is just what it's title implies and is broken down into categories and ranges from prison escapes to scientific frauds, from practical jokes to deadly hoaxes, such as the blood libel. It is a truly odd mixed bag and should be read over a long period in many small bites, although that may prove harder to do than anticipated and one may find oneself gobbling the whole thing down at once. The book is light at the right moments and more serious when required and, amazingly enough, never veers into the truly silly, which is a blessing.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Read!, June 5, 2005

By	Ann M. Lynch - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I read Michael Farquhar's two other books, "A Treasury of Royal Scandals" and "A Treasury of Great American Scandals" and I loved them both. His latest book is even better than the first two. It presents many facets of deception through history in a most entertaining way. Each chapter is a different story of lies and trickery, all separated into ten thematic parts. My favorite was the hoodwinking of Hitler. Just brillant! I highly recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest interest in history or the human capacity to deceive.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent stories, but not as good as some of his other books, July 15, 2005

By	Bookworm Mom (Texas) - See all my reviews

I just finished reading this book and I would have given it five stars had I not read his stories about royal scandals first. It was much more shocking than this one, although this book is worth a read. I only wish it had contained more stories, and a little more of the wit Farquhar exhibited in his other writings.