Forgers and Critics, New Edition: Creativity and Duplicity in Western Scholarship

Anthony Grafton explores the links between forgery and criticism throughout history, labeling forgery the "criminal sibling" of criticism. He describes the remarkable individuals who produced forged works of learning and style and the scholars who honed the tools of scholarship to unmask them. Grafton reveals the extent, coherence, and historical interest of two significant and tightly intertwined strands in the Western intellectual tradition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 16 April 2019
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In his book "Forgers and Critics," Anthony Grafton delves into the intricate connections between forgery and criticism throughout history. He refers to forgery as the "criminal sibling" of criticism, offering a comprehensive examination of the relationships between these two fields. Grafton presents a captivating portrayal of a diverse range of individuals, from classical Greek forgers to contemporary forgers, who have achieved remarkable feats of learning and style. At the same time, he highlights the scholarly detectives who have developed sophisticated techniques to identify and expose these skilled fakers. Through his exploration, Grafton unveils the profound extent, coherence, and historical significance of two interconnected strands within the Western intellectual tradition.

The book "Forgers and Critics" by Anthony Grafton explores the fascinating relationship between forgery and criticism throughout history. Grafton refers to forgery as the "criminal sibling" of criticism, highlighting the close ties between these two fields. He presents a comprehensive examination of the individuals involved in forgery, from classical Greek forgers to contemporary forgers, and the scholars who have dedicated their efforts to identify and expose them. Grafton's book sheds light on the extent, coherence, and historical interest of these two interconnected strands within the Western intellectual tradition.

Through his detailed analysis, Grafton demonstrates how forgery has played a significant role in shaping the Western intellectual landscape. He highlights the achievements of skilled forgers who have produced remarkable works of art, literature, and scholarship, while also exposing the deceitful practices of those who seek to manipulate the truth for personal gain. Grafton's book also explores the scholarly detectives who have developed sophisticated techniques to identify and expose forgery, such as carbon dating, handwriting analysis, and archival research. These detectives have played a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the intellectual tradition and protecting the public from the harm caused by fraudulent claims.

In addition to its historical significance, "Forgers and Critics" offers valuable insights into the nature of scholarship and the role of critical thinking in society. Grafton emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, careful examination of evidence, and a commitment to truth in the pursuit of knowledge. He challenges the reader to think critically about the information they encounter and to be aware of the potential for deception and fraud. Through his book, Grafton encourages readers to develop a deeper appreciation for the value of scholarship and the importance of preserving the integrity of the intellectual tradition.

Overall, "Forgers and Critics" is a thought-provoking and engaging book that provides a comprehensive exploration of the links between forgery and criticism throughout history. By presenting a diverse range of individuals and their contributions, Grafton sheds light on the profound impact of forgery on the Western intellectual tradition and challenges the reader to think critically about the information they encounter. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history, art, and literature of the past.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 215 x 140 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691191836