Greed in the Gilded Age: The Brilliant Con of Cassie Chadwick

Based on the provided content: In the Gilded Age, Cassie Chadwick conned banks into lending her millions of dollars by pretending to be the illegitimate child of Andrew Carnegie. This con is a cautionary tale of greed, avarice, and the belief that there is something better over the next hill.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This captivating tale delves into the realm of greed, opulence, chicanery, and the prevailing hope and belief during the Gilded Age that a pot of gold lay just around the corner. Despite the societal limitations imposed on women at the time, Cassie Chadwick managed to secure millions of dollars in unsecured loans from American banks, all based on a rumor that she was the illegitimate child of Andrew Carnegie. This extraordinary con showcases the remarkable brilliance of Elizabeth Bigley, the mastermind behind the scheme, and the desperation of individuals seeking immense wealth and success during a period characterized by easy money and the allure of fabulous riches. It sheds light on the rational individuals who were seduced by the promise of quick riches, leading them to engage in flights of fancy that ultimately resulted in the collapse of a banking system, the destruction of reputations, and the unraveling of lives. Moreover, the story highlights the audacity of a woman who had changed her name no less than three times to assume the highest social status, causing embarrassment and raising questions about the boundaries of societal norms. The con of Cassie Chadwick serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of avarice, the allure of easy money, and the belief that there is always something better waiting just beyond the horizon.

Weight: 463g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538142905