Subject
Literary forgeries and mystifications Books
Best books
Olphar Hamst
Handbook of fictitious names : $b being a guide to authors, chiefly in the lighter literature of the XIXth century, who have written under assumed names, and to literary forgers, impostors, plagiarists, and imitators
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Sergiei Nilus
The Protocols and world revolution : $b including a translation and analysis of the "Protocols of the meetings of the Zionist men of wisdom"
"The Protocols and world revolution: including a translation and analysis of…" is an antisemitic propaganda text first published in Imperial Russia in 1903. Purporting to reveal a Jewish plot for global domination, this fabricated document was largely plagiarized from earlier sources and exposed as fraudulent by major newspapers in the 1920s. Despite being thoroughly debunked, it spread internationally and was taught as fact in Nazi Germany. The work continues to circulate today, remaining one of history's most influential examples of conspiracy theory literature and antisemitic propaganda.
Andrew Lang
Books and Bookmen
"Books and Bookmen" by Andrew Lang is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. This engaging work delves into the world of books, bibliophiles, and the eccentricities that accompany book collecting. Lang reflects on various topics, including the history and allure of certain book editions, such as the coveted Elzevirs, and shares musings on literary quirks, all while maintaining a whimsical and humorous tone. At the start of "Books and Bookmen," Andrew Lang establishes an intimate, poetic discourse about the joys and tribulations of a book collector. He introduces readers to his dedication to antiquarian books, pondering whether women might appreciate the dusty dealings of bibliophiles. The preface outlines that these essays, originally published in American editions, have been restructured for this collection. In the opening essay on Elzevirs, Lang reveals the fervor surrounding these small, elegant books and discusses the mania for collecting them, while also imploring readers to recognize their relative worth in the collector’s realm. Through a blend of historical anecdotes and playful critiques, Lang sets the stage for a deeper exploration of literary treasures and the communities surrounding them.
Wilhelm Wattenbach
Deutschlands Geschichtsquellen im Mittelalter bis zur Mitte des dreizehnten Jahrhunderts, Erster Band (von 2)
"Deutschlands Geschichtsquellen im Mittelalter bis zur Mitte des dreizehnten Jahrhunderts" by W. Wattenbach is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive work serves as a critical guide to the historical sources of Germany during the medieval period, detailing the development and significance of various documents and texts from that era. The book is particularly valuable for those interested in medieval history and historiography, as it connects literary sources with historical events. The opening of the book begins with a preface from the author, discussing the history of the work since its first edition in the late 1850s and expressing gratitude to those who contributed to its revisions and updates. Wattenbach emphasizes the importance of a critical approach to historical sources, indicating that this work aims to educate readers on the significance and context of various documents pertaining to German history from ancient times up to the 13th century. The text outlines the structure of the book, which will delve into different periods and kinds of historical writing during the Middle Ages in Germany, setting the stage for a scholarly exploration of medieval historiography.
Vojislav Mate Jovanović
"La Guzla" de Prosper Mérimée
"La Guzla" de Prosper Mérimée by Vojislav Mate Jovanović is a critical study published in 1911 examining Prosper Mérimée's 1827 literary hoax. Mérimée presented fabricated Balkan folk ballads as authentic translations, complete with invented commentaries and a fictional narrator. The romantic poems featured werewolves, phantoms, and vampires, satirizing the era's exaggerated exotic storytelling. Though commercially unsuccessful, the work fooled major literary figures including Pushkin and Goethe, establishing Mérimée's reputation while exposing how easily "local color" could be manufactured.
Octave Delepierre
Supercheries littéraires : $b pastiches, suppositions d'auteurs dans les lettres et dans les arts
"Supercheries littéraires : pastiches, suppositions d'auteur dans les lettres et dans les arts" by Octave Delepierre is a scholarly publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores various literary deceptions, focusing specifically on pastiches and authorial attributions throughout literary history. It delves into the blurred lines between imitation, parody, and pastiche, offering insights into the intentions behind these forms of literary artifice. The opening of the book establishes a foundation for the discussion on literary supercheries by referencing previous works on related topics. Delepierre expresses the complexity of defining pastiche and its similarities to other literary genres such as parody and cento. He notes the historical origins of pastiche and its perpetuation through different epochs, illustrating how authors across cultures have engaged in literary imitation and fabrication, often invoking the names of esteemed writers to lend credibility to their works. This section sets the stage for a thorough examination of the nuances and implications of literary imitations and authorial fabrications in the following chapters.
A. (Alphonse) Fortia de Piles
Les mystifications de Caillot-Duval Choix de ses lettres les plus amusantes avec les réponses de ses victimes
"Les mystifications de Caillot-Duval" by Fortia de Piles and Boisgelin de Kerdu is a collection of humorous letters and responses, likely written in the late 18th century. The work revolves around a playful fictional character, Caillot-Duval, who engages in a series of elaborate and amusing deceptions, drawing laughter from the unsuspecting recipients of his correspondences. This narrative not only entertains but also serves as a critique of societal pretensions and gullibility in correspondence. The opening of the book introduces the concept of Caillot-Duval's mystifications, set against a backdrop of 1780s France. Readers are introduced to the character's initial success with a local prosecutor, who is unwittingly drawn into Flattery and absurdity through a series of incorrectly interpreted compliments and invitations. The witty exchanges set the stage for further antics, showcasing the foolishness of the characters involved, such as an opera dancer and other social figures who respond with endearing naivety to Caillot-Duval's charades. This introduction establishes a light-hearted tone while hinting at the clever social commentary woven throughout the letters.
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