Literary Hoaxes

Literary Hoaxes: An Eye-Opening History of Famous Frauds
By Melissa Katsoulis
Skyhorse Pub., 2009. 328 pgs. Nonfiction

You’re most likely familiar with the controversy surrounding the Da Vinci Code, but did you know to whom Dan Brown owes his million dollar idea? On whichever side of the fence you sit, the credit or blame rightly belongs to Pierre Plantard, the man who committed one of France’s most infamous literary frauds of the twentieth century. Plantard was a religious zealot who founded the Priory of Sion and claimed to be the last heir of a royal French family with rights to the throne and a bloodline dating back to Jesus. With planted manuscripts and genealogical charts he managed to defraud countless people until, as usual, the truth was discovered. This is merely one example of the numbers of legendary hoaxes you’ll discover in this highly readable volume.

Katsoulis has done a stupendous job compiling this grand selection of hoaxes and their perpetrators. Each account is well-written and receives her thoughtful commentary as she discusses the intent of each fraud and provides an analysis of the motives and mental states of each fraudster. Famous author Alexander McCall Smith of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency adds his own recommendation, proclaiming it “both entertaining and thought provoking.” I have to agree. If you’re in the mood for some highbrow, bookish scandal dive in and prepare to be delighted.

DAP