True or False: The World of Counterfeiting and Forgery

Author: Brian Innes
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: They live by lies, deceive people, and are completely illegal?? But they are also attention-grabbing, sometimes even astonishing. Counterfeits and forgeries—and the people behind them—captivate our attention and draw immense focus. This eye-opening book delves into the captivating and dizzying details of some of the world's most famous notorious cons. Here, you'll find the behind-the-scenes stories of why con artists commit their crimes and how they succeed; the charming lies they craft to deceive; the exposed methods they use to fake things; and new perspectives on how these con artists evade detection for long periods. Through images and "Forger Profiles," this book introduces the culprits, their schemes, and the consequences, telling untold stories behind these incredible cons and bringing them vividly to life before the readers. Why not open this book and read about the stories of counterfeits and forgeries of all kinds? These include: ancient coins, modern paper money, government bonds, and even stamps—whether using engraving or computers, these counterfeiters always develop ingenious methods ahead of the law. Artworks—from the forgeries of Michelangelo to modern paintings, sculptures, prints, and the forging of ceramics. There's also an in-depth exploration of how experts use modern technology to detect forgeries and authenticate suspicious artworks. Documents—one of the oldest crimes. Presidential signatures, books, maps, and diaries are all targets for master forgers. Prehistoric Forgery—In this area, the motivations of forgers are often complex. These incredible stories include the story behind the Piltdown Man and other infamous archaeological frauds. Personal Identity—from harmless con artists who fake academic credentials to serious criminals who completely assume others' identities. Here, you'll find the motivations, the methods, the real cons, and the victims of these con artists. Whether they seek wealth, attention, or followers, the counterfeiting and forging of con artists have produced many astonishing stories—reading this book is both captivating and enlightening.