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

We may say that honesty is the best policy, but history suggests otherwise. In this infinitely citable book, the author recounts some of the greatest deceptions of all time. With what forged document did the Vatican lay claim to much of Europe? Why do millions still believe the vague doggerel Nostradamus passed off as prophecy? Who actually wrote Hitler's diaries? All these questions and many more are answered and everything from con men to scientific fraud is taken in. A Treasury of Deception is a zestful, gossipy expose - and celebration - of mendacity.