Fraudsters & Charlatans
by Stratmann Linda (9780752457109)

In 1817 a young woman of exotic appearance was found wandering near Bristol. She spoke in a language that no one could understand except, seemingly a Portuguese sailor. He claimed that she was a Sumatran princess from the island of Javasu. Princess Caraboo, as she was known, became a national celebrity and lived in a grand style, entertaining many distinguished visitors. But, a few weeks later, she was exposed as Mary Baker, the daughter of a cobbler from Devonshire. Mary's deception is one of several intriguing stories of nineteenth-century fraudsters brought to light in Linda Stratmann's entertaining look at some of history's greatest rogues. From bankers who forged share certificates, ruining hundreds of small investors to `Louis de Rougemont' who claimed to own Canada, these riveting tales of true crime expose the seamier side of life in which corruption, avarice and scandal hold sway.

USD $24.34

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