The Power of the Charlatan by: Grete De Francesco, Miriam Beard (transl.)
Hardcover. New Haven CT, Yale University Press, 1st, 1939, Book: Very Good, Dust Jacket: Fair, Hardcover, turquoise cloth in a worn dust jacket with chunks gone, 288 pages, b&w illustrations. A fascinating exploration of deception, persuasion, and the psychology of imposture throughout history. Exhaustive study of quackery, beginning with the origin of the word charlatan, through the famous characters and their dupes, through alchemy, propaganda, science, etc., from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Documented with source material and contemporary prints, it is an interesting picture of these illusionists, perverters of truth, and the few who were able to withstand their blandishments. Previous owner's name on front fly leaf.
