Human history is positively shrouded in the dark arts of deceit and subterfuge. According to the Bible, the story of mankind began with the Serpent's lie to Eve, and we have happily profited from deceiving our brothers and sisters ever since. No matter the period or place, the religion or ideology, individuals and institutions have schemed and scammed their way into positions of power and wealth, taking full advantage of man's unique capacity for believing almost anything. With skill and imaginative flair, History's Greatest Deceptions chronicles the 50 most remarkable tales of fraud and forgery.

Chapters include:

This beautifully illustrated volume includes over 80 photographs, paintings, and illustrations, shedding light on the compelling personalities behind the stories, and exploring the motivations behind some of the most ambitiously dishonest acts ever known.