Swindling Exposed: From the Diary of William B. Moreau King of Fakirs. Method of Crooks Explained. History of the Worst Gang that Ever Infested this Country. Names, Locations and Incidents. A Volume of Intense Interest. Truth Stranger than Fiction.

Syracuse, N.Y.: J.B. Costello, 1907. First edition. Octavo (8 3/4 x 6 inches; 220 x 150 mm). [2], [1]-222 pp. Illustrated throughout the text with numerous black-and-white drawings. Published posthumously from the diaries and personal papers of Moreau.

Publisher's original red cloth. Front board and spine stamped and lettered in black ink. Some very mild toning. Covers with a bit of light rubbing and top corners a bit bumped. Top of the spine with a tiny split in in the cloth. Overall a very good copy.

"This book had its inception in the mind of William B. Moreau, chief of the greatest gang of swindlers that ever infested this country. Some time ago Moreau expressed a desire to consult an editor in reference to publishing a book and was introduced to the publisher of this work. Moreau showed the editor manuscript that he said he had been working on for years, and also a package of papers that he stated were used by swindlers 'on the road.' He said he was the worn out chief of the greatest gang that ever operated in this country; that he had made many fortunes, but gambling was his weakness, and he was then penniless. After an examination of the papers the editor concluded that such a book would be of great value to every one, particularly to farmers, and recommended its publication. Moreau's health was poor and he sold the manuscript, papers and photos to the writer, saying at the time that he probably would not live to see them published. This prediction proved true, for in a short time he died." (From the Preface).

HBS 68186.

$450.