Century of Deception: The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth Century England

A newspaper advertisement in 1749 announced that a man would climb inside a bottle on the stage of a London theatre. However, the performer didn't. Over the following decades, elaborate jokes and fanciful tales would continue to bamboozle people across England, drawing in celebrities such as Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin and Jonathan Swift. The hoaxes also inflamed concerns about English credulity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: The Westbourne Press

In 1749, a captivating newspaper advertisement emerged, heralding the spectacle of a man daringly climbing inside a bottle on the stage of a London theatre. Despite the immense anticipation generated by the crowds, who flocked in their hundreds to witness this extraordinary trick, the performer ultimately failed to deliver. However, this was merely the beginning of a series of elaborate jokes and fantastical tales that would captivate the minds of people across England for decades to come.

In his captivating book, "The Century of Deception," magician and historian Ian Keable delves into the intricate stories of these eighteenth-century hoaxes and the individuals who fell victim to them. The English public, time and time again, found themselves ensnared by these deceptions, swallowing whole narratives of rapping ghosts, women giving birth to rabbits, levitating Frenchmen in Chinese temples, and outrageous astrological predictions. Not only did these hoaxes exert a profound influence, drawing in renowned figures such as Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin, and Jonathan Swift, but they also raised concerns about the English people's credulity and susceptibility to imaginative deceit.

The allure of these hoaxes lay in their ability to tap into the deepest fears and desires of the public, creating a sense of wonder and amazement that was both captivating and disconcerting. The perpetrators of these deceptions were skilled storytellers, adept at manipulating the emotions and beliefs of their audience. They carefully crafted their narratives, incorporating vivid details, dramatic twists, and a touch of magic to captivate the senses and suspend disbelief.

One of the most famous hoaxes of the eighteenth century was the "Cock Lane Ghost," which occurred in 1742. The story went that a woman named Mary Tofts had given birth to a rabbit, which she claimed was the result of a supernatural encounter with the devil. The news of this extraordinary event spread like wildfire, attracting the attention of prominent figures such as Samuel Johnson and Jonathan Swift. Despite the skepticism of many, the story gained widespread publicity, and Tofts even went on tour, displaying her "miracle" rabbit to skeptical audiences.

However, the truth behind the "Cock Lane Ghost" was eventually revealed. It was discovered that Mary Tofts had been lying, and the rabbit she had presented as evidence was nothing more than a common farm animal. The hoax not only exposed Tofts as a fraud but also raised questions about the gullibility of the public and the power of storytelling to manipulate beliefs.

Another notable hoax of the eighteenth century was the "Levitation of Mr. Paine," which occurred in 1791. The story went that a Frenchman named Jean-Baptiste Paine had been levitated to a height of several feet by a group of spiritualists in London. The news of this extraordinary event caused a sensation, and Paine became a celebrity overnight. However, it was later discovered that the levitation had been staged by a group of tricksters, using a hidden platform and wires.

The "Levitation of Mr. Paine" not only exposed the fraudulent nature of spiritualism but also raised concerns about the influence of popular culture on beliefs and the dangers of believing in unverifiable claims. It was a cautionary tale that reminded people to be critical of the information they encountered and to seek out evidence before accepting any extraordinary claims.

In addition to these hoaxes, the eighteenth century was also home to a series of fantastical tales and rumors that captivated the public's imagination. One such tale was the "Sea Monster of Loch Ness," which was believed to be a giant creature that lurked in the depths of Loch Ness, Scotland. The story of the "Sea Monster" gained widespread popularity in the 19th century, with numerous sightings and alleged encounters reported. However, scientific evidence has since debunked the existence of the "Sea Monster," revealing that it was likely a hoax or a misidentification of a natural phenomenon.

Another fantastical tale that gained traction in the eighteenth century was the "Vampire of Kraków," which was believed to be a vampire that preyed on the residents of Kraków, Poland. The story of the "Vampire" gained widespread popularity in the 19th century, with numerous books and films being made about it. However, it was later discovered that the "Vampire" was likely a hoax or a misunderstanding of a medical condition.

The eighteenth century was a time of immense creativity and imagination, but it was also a time of deception and trickery. The hoaxes and fantastical tales of this era not only entertained the public but also had a profound impact on their beliefs and attitudes. They reminded people to be critical of the information they encountered and to seek out evidence before accepting any extraordinary claims. These tales also highlighted the power of storytelling to manipulate beliefs and the dangers of falling victim to imaginative deceit.

In conclusion, the eighteenth century was a time of immense creativity and imagination, but it was also a time of deception and trickery. The hoaxes and fantastical tales of this era not only entertained the public but also had a profound impact on their beliefs and attitudes. They reminded people to be critical of the information they encountered and to seek out evidence before accepting any extraordinary claims. These tales also highlighted the power of storytelling to manipulate beliefs and the dangers of falling victim to imaginative deceit.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908906441