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cortjstr's review
4.0
As others have said the book is definitely repetitive especially when it comes to lists of names and given that it was first published in 1940 there's a fair amount of casual racism and sexism. But it's a fascinating look at the cons of the early 20th century which eventually led to the Nigerian Prince schemes of today.
orla_h's review
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
3.5
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, and Sexism
celli's review
4.0
I just saw The Sting, so I can finally read this!
Great fun, easy to follow, and a great book to have in mind for my Leverage, Hustle, White Collar, and A-Team viewing.
Great fun, easy to follow, and a great book to have in mind for my Leverage, Hustle, White Collar, and A-Team viewing.
kathanne's review
3.0
what i love the most about this book is maurer’s clear and utter glee in recounting some of these (admittedly very funny) con scenarios.
also the idea of this random academic calling up and making friends with a bunch of the greatest criminals of the twentieth century just because he thinks they’re cool, then writing a book that’s ostensibly a linguistic and anthropological study but that’s really just an excuse to geek out about his cool criminal friends? is delightful
also the idea of this random academic calling up and making friends with a bunch of the greatest criminals of the twentieth century just because he thinks they’re cool, then writing a book that’s ostensibly a linguistic and anthropological study but that’s really just an excuse to geek out about his cool criminal friends? is delightful
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