Subject
Fraud Books
Best books
John Newman
Scamping Tricks and Odd Knowledge Occasionally Practised upon Public Works
"Scamping Tricks and Odd Knowledge Occasionally Practised upon Public Works" by John Newman is a practical guide written in the late 19th century. The work is centered around detailing various cunning tricks and techniques used by sub-contractors and workmen to execute public works projects more cheaply and efficiently, often through dubious means. The author shares anecdotes and insights drawn from his extensive experience in civil engineering, with a particular emphasis on the ethical complexities of manipulating design and execution for additional profit. The opening portion introduces a conversation between an experienced contractor and his partner as they reminisce about old times and the crafty methods they've employed on past projects. The dialogue sets a casual tone while highlighting the underlying tension between professional integrity and the lure of short-cuts in engineering practices. It serves as a prelude to more technical discussions about construction techniques, specifically focused on piles—such as screw piles, timber piles, and their advantages and challenges—hinting at the blend of practical knowledge with ethical contemplation that will characteristically continue throughout the text.
Nathanael St. André
A Short Narrative of an Extraordinary Delivery of Rabbets, Perform'd by Mr. John Howard Surgeon at Guilford
"A Short Narrative of an Extraordinary Delivery of Rabbets, Perform'd by Mr. John Howard" is an unusual medical account written during the early 18th century. This book details the bizarre events surrounding the delivery of multiple rabbits from a woman named Mary Toft, who was treated by Mr. Howard, a surgeon in Guilford, England. The narrative addresses issues of medical anomalies and the societal curiosity surrounding the strange phenomenon of a woman purportedly giving birth to rabbits. In this account, the author, Mr. St. André, recounts his investigation into the claims made by Mary Toft, who allegedly experienced a series of labor-like pains resulting in the expulsion of several rabbits. Mr. Howard documents the details of the deliveries, noting the physical examinations and the medical peculiarities associated with the creatures. As the narrative progresses, it raises questions about the nature of the event—whether it was a genuine medical mystery or a case of deception. The book outlines the observations and testimonies from various medical professionals and witnesses while maintaining a tone of skepticism towards the claims. Ultimately, this narrative not only serves as a historical curiosity but also reflects the complexities of credulity and medical practice in the early 18th century.
John Thomson
The Tricks of the Town: or, Ways and Means of getting Money
"The Tricks of the Town: or, Ways and Means of getting Money" by Thomson is a satirical work written in the early 18th century. This publication explores various deceptions and schemes used by cunning individuals in society to exploit the naive and unsuspecting in their pursuit of wealth. Through vivid anecdotes and humorous observations, it reveals the myriad ways people have devised to profit at the expense of others. The opening of the book introduces the reader to a commentary on the art of money-making and the social dynamics at play in a bustling metropolis. Thomson highlights the absurdities of urban life, outlining strategies used by various societal actors—from tailors and shopkeepers to ladies of fashion and their maids—who engage in tricks to benefit financially, often under the guise of politeness or friendship. The narrative is interspersed with anecdotes that illustrate these concepts, emphasizing themes of deception, commerce, and the often humorous yet tragic outcomes of such interactions.
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