The Museum of Hoaxes

I liked the introduction to each chapter, trying to outline some kind of theme for each period, and an explanation of why the hoaxes of that era took the form that they did. I would have enjoyed a bit more depth in these sections, and in the descriptions of each hoax, but I suspect that's because I've been reading too much academic writing lately. Quite a fun book.

This is such a cute little book.

I first read this book years ago, having discovered the wonderful Museum of Hoaxes website online. It's a great website, and goes into far greater detail than this book does from the outset. This book does not go terribly in depth into the facts it supplies, but rather offers tantalizing tastes with options for further reading as one goes along. It whets the appetite, but never quite satiates it.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a taste of the Museum of Hoaxes, a brief overview to help them decide just what to explore more. Or of course, anyone wanting something to dig into and make fun party conversations about - as it is certainly grand for that as well.

Sadly, I found this somewhat dull, and I'd heard of about all but one of the hoaxes covered. Boese wasn't able to bring the stories and characters to life like other authors covering the same stories have, and although "Museum of Hoaxes" is newer than other hoax-related books I have read, I found it more dated, perhaps because of his references to the internet as something new and wonderful.

He did get an extra 1/2 star from me though for including the line "It's a sad day for American capitalism when a man can't fly a midget on a kite over Central Park" and the fine reference to the 1991 Brussels Marathon winner who somehow managed to shave his moustache off during the race.

A breezy tour through the 'museum' of pranks and conspiracies from the last few centuries. Some of these stories are explored more fully in other books, but here the quick survey makes for entertaining reading.

This is a fun (and funny!) look through history. From the 1700s to present day, people have gotten a kick out of "pulling one over" on others -- and most of us have gotten just as many laughs over being on the receiving end.

This is a great read for some light, crazy entertainment.

Fascinating, educational - a little less humorous than I expected, which in my opinion is a good thing.

A most enjoyable collection of hoaxes covering a good chunk of history.