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The Arts of Deception: Playing with Fraud in the Age of Barnum,Used
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Ingenious automatons which appeared to think on their own. Dubious mermaids and wild men who resisted classification. Elegant sleightofhand artists who routinely exposed the secrets of their trade. These were some of the playful forms of fraud which astonished, titillated, and even outraged nineteenthcentury America's new middle class, producing some of the most remarkable urban spectacles of the century.In The Arts of Deception, James W. Cook explores this distinctly modern mode of trickery designed to puzzle the eye and challenge the brain. Championed by the 'Prince of Humbug,' P. T. Barnum, these cultural puzzles confused the line between reality and illusion. Upsetting the normally strict boundaries of value, race, class, and truth, the spectacles offer a revealing look at the tastes, concerns, and prejudices of America's very first mass audiences. We are brought into the exhibition halls, theaters, galleries, and museums where imposture flourished, and into the minds of the curiosityseekers who eagerly debated the wonders before their eyes. Cook creates an original portrait of a culture in which ambiguous objects, images, and acts on display helped define a new value system for the expanding middle class, as it confronted a complex and confusing world.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'The Arts of Deception'? A: 'The Arts of Deception' explores the nature of fraud and illusion in 19th-century America, highlighting how cultural spectacles blurred the lines between reality and deception.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of 'The Arts of Deception' is James W. Cook.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is classified as 'Used Book in Good Condition' and is listed in 'Very Good' condition.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: 'The Arts of Deception' has a total of 332 pages.
- Q: When was 'The Arts of Deception' published? A: 'The Arts of Deception' was published on July 15, 2001.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: This edition of 'The Arts of Deception' is in paperback binding.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: 'The Arts of Deception' belongs to the genre of Humor & Entertainment.
- Q: Is there any specific material used in the book's printing? A: The book does not specify a particular material used in its printing.
- Q: What are some notable features of this book? A: Some notable features include its exploration of cultural frauds and the impact of figures like P. T. Barnum on American society.
- Q: Who might find this book interesting? A: Readers interested in cultural history, deception, illusions, or the development of entertainment in America will likely find this book engaging.