The Humbugs of the World

The Humbugs of the World, subtitled 'An Account of Humbugs, Delusions, Impositions, Quackeries, Deceits and Deceivers Generally, in All Ages' is a book about hoaxes by famous American businessman P. T. Barnum. Barnum tells tales of some of the world's greatest deceits, cheats, cons, and delusions, all of which go under the definition of 'humbug'. He takes the reader on a tour of flakes through history, describing the ways in which even the brightest fell for the conmen and hucksters of their times. The book also shows just how little changes through the centuries, and how many of the descriptions of cons, swindles and quacks are as relevant today as in Barnum's time.

P. T. Barnum (1810-1891) was an American showman, politician, and businessman remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was also an author and publisher. According to his critics, his personal aim was only to make money for himself. Barnum is widely credited with coining the adage 'There's a sucker born every minute.' He wrote several books which had motivation, inspiration, and personal success for theme. One of Barnum's more successful methods of self-promotion was mass publication of his autobiography. At one point the number of copies printed was second only to the New Testament in North America.