The Humbugs of the World (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781434105950)

From America's Prince of Showmen comes a fascinating exposé of the frauds, charlatans, and deceptions that prey upon the credulous!

P. T. Barnum-master of spectacle, impresario extraordinaire-turns his knowing eye toward the darker arts of humbug. With wit, wisdom, and no small amount of irony, the man who brought you the Fiji Mermaid now reveals the tricks of medical quacks, fortune-tellers, spirit rappers, and confidence men who exploit human credulity for profit.

From Wall Street swindles to religious impostures, from bogus miracle cures to the table-tapping séances sweeping the nation, Barnum dissects the anatomy of deception with the insider knowledge of one who understands exactly how the public loves to be fooled-and when that love crosses into dangerous territory.

Part confession, part crusade, this remarkable volume draws the line between harmless entertainment and harmful fraud. Barnum's message is clear: There's a difference between honest humbug and wicked deception, and knowing that difference might just save your fortune-or your life.

"The people like to be humbugged," Barnum famously declared. In these pages, he shows you how-and tells you how to look behind the curtain.