Title
Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man [Hardcover],Used
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A professor of linguistics who specialized in underworld argot, Maurer won the trust of hundreds of swindlers, who let him in on not simply their language, but their folkways and the astonishing complex and elaborate schemes whereby unsuspecting marks, hooked by their own greed and dishonesty, were "taken off" i.e. cheated of thousands upon thousands of dollars. The products of amazing ingenuity, crack timing, and attention to every last detail, these "big cons" richly deserve Maurers description as "the most effective swindling device which man has ever invented." The Big Con is a treasure trove of American lingo (the write, the rag, the payoff, ropers, shills, the cold poke, the convincer, to put on the send) and indelible characters (Yellow Kid Weil, Barney the Patch, the Seldom Seen Kid, Limehouse Chappie, Larry the Lug). It served as the source for the Oscarwinning film The Sting and will delight fans of such writers as David Mamet, Jim Thompson, Elmore Leonard, and William Burroughs for its droll, utterly authoritative look at the timeless pursuit of relieving ones fellow man on his surplus cash.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has three hundred fourteen pages. It's a comprehensive exploration of swindling and the language of con artists.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this hardcover book? A: The dimensions are eight inches and thirty-one hundredths long, five inches and fifty-nine hundredths wide, and one inch and three tenths thick.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man'? A: The author is David W. Maurer, a professor of linguistics known for his expertise in underworld argot.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book like any standard novel. It is designed for adult readers interested in true crime and the psychology of con artists.
- Q: Is this book suitable for younger audiences? A: No, this book is not suitable for younger audiences. It deals with themes of deception and may not be appropriate for children.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the True Crime genre. It provides an in-depth look at the world of con artists.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: To keep this book in good condition, store it upright on a shelf and avoid exposing it to moisture or extreme temperatures.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can clean the book by gently wiping it with a dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book has a hardcover binding, which provides durability and protection for the pages.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for fans of crime stories? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for fans of crime stories. It offers unique insights into the world of con artists.
- Q: How does this book compare to other true crime books? A: This book stands out due to its focus on the language and methods of con artists, unlike many true crime narratives that focus on the crimes themselves.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of the book? A: If you receive a damaged copy, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange according to their policy.
- Q: Does this book have any illustrations? A: No, this book does not contain illustrations. It focuses on text and detailed descriptions of con artists and their schemes.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there typically is no warranty for books. However, you can check the seller's return policy for any issues.
- Q: What should I do if I have questions about the book? A: If you have questions about the book, you can reach out to the seller or look for additional resources online.