From counterfeit medicines and banknotes to bogus perpetual-motion machines and sports memorabilia, Roelf Bolt reveals that almost everything has been forged or faked by someone at some point in history. He offers biographies and general observations on specific categories of deceit, and the book includes a number of well- and lesser-known figures, including Einstein, Ernest Hemingway and President Francois Mitterand. All take their rightful place in the bizarre catalogue of comedy, crime and occasional genius that is The Encyclopaedia of Liars and Deceivers.