The Arts of Deception: Playing with Fraud in the Age of Barnum Review

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(More customer reviews)James W. Cook's Arts of Deception is one of the most important books on the history of U.S. popular culture to appear in many years. As the subtitle suggests, this book has fresh and interesting things to say about Barnum, an endlessly fascinating historical figure. But the appeal of the larger work goes deeper. Very few previous studies can match Cook's analysis of the controversies and debates surrounding popular cultural forms. This is also a book that helps you to see familiar historical subjects, such as the rise of capitalism or the decline of magic, in powerful new ways. I found Cook's ability to move across different cultural forms and visual media (traveling curiosities, stage shows, photographs, paintings, etc.) really rewarding. This is a book that opens up big patterns in American culture and illuminates how modern show business first took shape. Yes, it is challenging--but well worth the effort! Highly recommended.

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