The Land That Never Was: Sir Gregor MacGregor And The Most Audacious Fraud In History (edit title)

Shelfari edited the description of The Land That Never Was: Sir Gregor MacGregor And The Most Audacious Fraud In History Tuesday, August 18 2009.

• Once upon a time, in the heart of Central America, there was a country named Poyais. It was exceptionally rich in resources, civilization, and culture and was ruled by the brave and enlightened Scottish soldier, Sir Gregor MacGregor, who became its ruler after his heroic exploits in the fight for South American independence. On a cold January morning in 1823, a group of Scottish immigrants looking for a new life set sail for this tropical Eden called Poyais. The only catch was that it didn't exist. A month later the ship landed on the swamp-infested Mosquito Coast and the settlers realized that they had become the victims of one of the most elaborate hoaxes in history. The land they had been sold was nonexistent, the banknotes and guidebooks they carried with them were forgeries, their documents were worthless. Poyais was a fiction. The man responsible? Sir Gregor MacGregor. Who was this eccentric, scurrilous man? And why is he such a lovable rogue?

Shelfari edited the contributors of The Land That Never Was: Sir Gregor MacGregor And The Most Audacious Fraud In History Wednesday, July 29 2009.

• Added a contributor: David Sinclair: (Primary Author)

Shelfari edited the first sentence of The Land That Never Was: Sir Gregor MacGregor And The Most Audacious Fraud In History Thursday, July 16 2009.

• The new year of 1823 announced itself in violent fashion with a vicious storm that battered the east coast of Britain for a fortnight.