Knave, Fool, and Genius

Book excerpt: The confidence man held a fascination for Melville, Hawthorne, Howells, Johnson J. Hooper, Bret Harte, and Mark Twain. In this study the writers are grouped in such a way as to emphasize certain large-scale cultural patterns of nineteenth-century America. Primary attention is given to the con man character himself and the ways in which he reflects the unique qualities and perceptions of a given writer. Originally published in 1973. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.