Famous Phonies: Legends, Fakes, and Frauds Who Changed History

by Brianna DuMont

Overview

Fakes, frauds, and phonies. Sounds like a book filled with criminals and delinquents, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. Some of the biggest names in history can be found between these pages—and the light isn’t flattering. (We’re looking at you, George “I must not tell a lie” Washington.) Famous Phonies: Legends, Fakes, and Frauds Who Changed History is the first book in a new nonfiction middle grade series that will explore the underbelly of history, making you question everything you thought you knew about history’s finest. Follow the fake lives of these twelve history-changers to uncover the fabrications of the famous, and the should-be-famous!

Famous “Phonies”:
Confucius • George Washington • Pythagoras • Hiawatha • Gilgamesh • Major William Martin • William Shakespeare • Pope Joan • Homer • Prester John • Huangdi • The Turk

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629146454
Publisher:	Sky Pony
Publication date:	11/04/2014
Series:	Changed History Series
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.00(d)
Lexile:	1040L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Brianna DuMont is a self-proclaimed history buff with a degree in art history and archaeology as well as classics. She has traveled extensively in search of great museums and historical sites to visit. When she is home, she is an independent historian and full-time writer who is quickly becoming best friends with her local librarian. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Table of Contents

Author's Note v

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Confucius 3

Chapter 2 George Washington 14

Chapter 3 Pythagoras 28

Chapter 4 Hiawatha 37

Chapter 5 Gilgamesh 50

Chapter 6 Major William Martin 60

Chapter 7 William Shakespeare 72

Chapter 8 Pope Joan 83

Chapter 9 Homer 92

Chapter 10 Prester John 105

Chapter 11 Huangdi 119

Chapter 12 The Turk 133

Acknowledgments 143

Notes on Sources 144

Sources 148

Image Credits 155

Index 158

Editorial Reviews

01/01/2015
Gr 4–9—Think Confucius was a wise old man revered in his lifetime? Under the impression that George Washington was a great hero? Believe that Pythagoras came up with a theorem that changed mathematics forever? Prepare to be disillusioned as independent historian DuMont debunks many of history's legends, both those who really existed and some who never did. The book's lively, breezy style often descends to the snarky and sarcastic and may spark a healthy skepticism about textbook history. A number of pop culture references (Bedazzler, the Angry Birds) have current appeal but will quickly date the text. DuMont lists sources for each chapter, most of which are reliable, even excellent. However, there are no in-text citations, which makes corroboration problematic and should leave readers with at least a modicum of doubt about this version of history. Some popular websites, such as BrainyQuotes.com and John Green's short, flashy "Crash Course" YouTube videos, are questionable; students would be better served if they had been directed to these as entertaining sidelights rather than as reference sources. A fun read, but unsuitable for research or reports.—Katherine Koenig, The Ellis School, PA

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