Earnshaw, Graham

The Formosa Fraud: The Story of George Psalmanazar One of the Greatest Charlatans in Literary History

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ISBN 13:: 9789888422128
author:: Earnshaw, Graham
format:: Paperback / softback
publisher:: Earnshaw Books Limited
language:: English
Publication Year:: 2018
Pages:: 264
Dimensions:: 21 x 14.5 centimetres (0.33 kg)
Genre:: Nonfiction, Psychology, General
Condition:: New
Availability:: Item usually sent within 7 working days

£18.12

Current Stock: 5

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Description

Description

George Psalmanazar, one of the greatest charlatans in literary history, perpetrated a stupendous fraud on the people of London over 300 years ago. Claiming to have been born on the island of Taiwan, he spun a web of highly controversial tales about the island's history, including mass killings, underground dwellings, and exotic creatures. His book on the subject was a publishing sensation in 1704, and his fabricated stories were even accepted by the Bishop of London, who invited him to teach his fictional Formosan language at Oxford University. This book tells the story of Psalmanazar's incredible deception, which was for a time widely accepted by the academic and literary circles of London. With its unique blend of history, psychology, and literary intrigue, "The Formosa Fraud" is a fascinating account of one of the most remarkable cases of literary fraud in history. Through meticulous research, Graham Earnshaw uncovers the truth behind Psalmanazar's incredible lies, revealing the social, cultural, and historical context that allowed his deception to thrive. A gripping and thought-provoking read, "The Formosa Fraud" is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the darker side of literary history.

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