The Great Pretenders: The True Stories Behind Famous Historical Mysteries
by Jan Bondeson
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Description
Jan Bondeson, M.D., focuses his medical expertise and insightful wit on the great unsolved mysteries of disputed identity of the last two hundred years. Did the son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette really die in the Temple Tower, or did the Lost Dauphin reappear among the throngs of pretenders to the throne? And what does DNA testing reveal about the Dauphin's mummified heart? Who was Kaspar Hauser: an abused child, the crown prince of Baden, or a pathological liar? In this highly show more entertaining work covering the most famous cases of disputed identity, Jan Bondeson uncovers all the evidence, then applies his medical knowledge and logical thinking to ascertain the true stories behind these fascinating histories. 36 illustrations. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
This one was pretty good with lots of information and characters that were new to me. Just a couple thoughts that really don't have a lot to do with the main point of these stories:
The Lost Dauphin: What's most weird about this whole story is the desiccated heart(S) thing...that's just weird and weirdly gross.
The Tichborne Claimant: There sure were a lot of poems and songs written about this guy.
It was fun to read about my favorite historical mystery, Anna Anderson, and the whole Anastasia thing. I am still convinced that the DNA "proof" was fabricated. It's the one conspiracy theory I'll probably always buy in to.
Even though there was a lot of new information, I got through this one way quicker than I thought I would. It is show more interesting and entertaining and gives just the right amount of back story. I'll be looking for more of his, for sure! show less
The Lost Dauphin: What's most weird about this whole story is the desiccated heart(S) thing...that's just weird and weirdly gross.
The Tichborne Claimant: There sure were a lot of poems and songs written about this guy.
It was fun to read about my favorite historical mystery, Anna Anderson, and the whole Anastasia thing. I am still convinced that the DNA "proof" was fabricated. It's the one conspiracy theory I'll probably always buy in to.
Even though there was a lot of new information, I got through this one way quicker than I thought I would. It is show more interesting and entertaining and gives just the right amount of back story. I'll be looking for more of his, for sure! show less
Weren't there more interesting pretenders in history for author to pick on?
Ratings
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Published Reviews
ThingScore 75
Entertaining studies of classic imposters and a public inclined to be gullible even before the age of TV.
added by doomjesse
Author Information
24+ Works 1,542 Members
Jan Bondeson, M.D., also holds a Ph.D. in experimental medicine. He is the author of "A Cabinet of Medical Curiosities" & other works. (Bowker Author Biography)
Common Knowledge
- People/Characters
- Arthur Orton; Roger Tichborne
- Important events
- The Tichborne Claimant; Anna Anderson
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, History, General Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir
- DDC/MDS
- 001.95 — Computer science, information & general works Computer science, knowledge & systems Knowledge and learning in general Aliens/UFOs Hoaxes
- LCC
- D10 .B58 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania History (General) General
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 156
- Popularity
- 210,488
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (3.52)
- Languages
- English, Portuguese
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 3
