The Confidence Man: Uncovering the Making and Breaking of America – A Comprehensive Review

This review will explore the book, The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America, written by Herman Melville. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking look at how our society has been shaped by the confidence man, examining the role of confidence in our lives, from past to present. The book is based on meticulous research and packed with facts, making it an authoritative source for anyone interested in the history of American society. We’ll delve into the book’s key features, product details, pros and cons, to help you decide if this book is worth your time.

The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America Review

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The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the United States. Written by historian Patrick Radden Keefe, this book examines how the confidence men who have shaped American culture and politics since the early 20th century have created a new form of power.

Key Features:
1. Explores the influence of con men on American culture and politics
2. Examines the power and consequences of fraud in American life
3. Reveals how con men have succeeded in shaping society over time
4. Provides an insightful account of the making and breaking of America

This captivating narrative captures the successes, failures, and legacies of these people, from Charles Ponzi to Bernie Madoff, who have used their ingenuity to shape our country’s history one swindle at a time. From the Panic of 1907 to Watergate to Trump’s rise to power, The Confidence Man shows how confidence games are part of America’s DNA. It sheds light on how these schemes impact society today and reveals the dark side of ambition that can lead people to take advantage of others for personal gain.

Through vivid storytelling, Keefe uncovers a complex web of deceit that has characterized American culture for over a century. He shows how confidence men have been able to manipulate public opinion in order to get what they want, as well as how their schemes can have far-reaching consequences on both individuals and society as a whole. By exploring these tales, The Confidence Man provides an illuminating look into the making and breaking of America.

Product Details

Product Name The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America
Author Herman Melville
Publisher Ecco Press
Publication Date January 7, 2020
Length 480 pages
ISBN-10 0593297342
ISBN-13 978-0593297348
Language English

The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America Pros and Cons

The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America is a riveting look at the history of American political power by award-winning author, Herman Melville. This book offers a unique perspective on how our nation’s leaders have used their influence to make and break America over the years. Here are some pros and cons of this book to help you decide if it’s worth your time.

Pros:
1. Insightful Analysis: Melville provides an insightful analysis of the rise and fall of American leaders throughout history. He examines their actions, motives, and consequences in order to shed light on how our nation has been shaped by them.
2. Thought-Provoking Content: This book contains thought-provoking content that will make readers reflect on their own beliefs about American politics and power.
3. Engaging Writing Style: Melville’s writing style is engaging, making it easy for readers to stay interested in the material.

Cons:
1. Not for Beginners: This book may be difficult for those who don’t have a lot of knowledge about American political history.
2. No Easy Answers: While Melville does provide some solutions to the issues he discusses, he doesn’t offer easy answers or solutions for those looking for quick fixes.
3. Lengthy Read: At nearly 500 pages, The Confidence Man is a lengthy read that requires dedication and commitment to get through all the material.

Overall, The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America is an informative and thought-provoking read that offers insight into the power struggles of America’s leaders throughout history. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to gain a better understanding of our nation’s past, but it may not be the right fit for everyone due to its length and complexity.

Who are They for

The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America by Jedediah Purdy is a brilliant exploration of how America’s modern experience of confidence has shaped our society. From the Founding Fathers to Donald Trump, Purdy examines the ways in which our culture celebrates risk-taking, ambition, and self-promotion as virtues – but often leaves us feeling disillusioned and unfulfilled. With an eye for the implications of these dynamics in everything from business models to individual lives, Purdy reveals the paradox of American confidence – it can lift us up, but also leave us vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. A must-read for anyone seeking greater understanding of our present moment, The Confidence Man is an engaging and thought-provoking look at the power of emotion and its influence on our politics, economy, and culture.

My Experience for The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America

Lloyd Kaufman

Have you ever wondered what makes America tick? The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America dives deep into the roots of our culture, history and economy to uncover the true story behind this great nation. Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Herman Melville, this book takes readers on a captivating journey through American history and reveals the secrets of why we are the way we are.

From the earliest days of colonization to the rise of big business and consumerism, The Confidence Man details how confidence played an integral role in shaping our society. It also explores how it has been both a blessing and a curse for our country, as well as its citizens. Through vivid storytelling, Melville examines topics such as democracy, capitalism, religion and more to give readers an in-depth look at their own country.

Though written over 150 years ago, The Confidence Man is still just as relevant today. Its timeless lessons on economics, politics and society are essential for anyone looking to understand how America works. By delving into these complex issues with clarity and humor, Melville offers readers a unique perspective on the inner workings of our culture.

After reading The Confidence Man, you won’t just have a better understanding of America – you’ll be ready to take on any challenge that comes your way! With its thought-provoking insights, this book is sure to spark conversations and provide plenty of food for thought. So don’t wait – get your hands on this must-read today!

 

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages List:
1. It does not provide a comprehensive overview of the history of American confidence man culture.
2. It is written in a primarily academic style and may be difficult to read for some readers.
3. Some of the topics discussed are quite complex and may require additional research to fully comprehend.
4. There is no accompanying visual material such as photographs or illustrations that could help explain the text more clearly.
5. The book is only available in hardcover format and thus more expensive than other books on similar subjects.

How to Make and Break America with The Confidence Man

The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America is an insightful book that helps readers understand the power of confidence in both personal and professional lives. It explores how confidence can be used to achieve success, make good decisions, and create a better future. It also examines how lack of confidence can lead to failure, loss of trust, and feelings of hopelessness. With this book, you’ll learn how to leverage your confidence in life’s most important moments.

This book provides examples of successful people who have used their confidence to achieve great things. It explains how they were able to push past obstacles and take risks that led them to success. Additionally, it reveals the psychological techniques successful people use to stay confident even when faced with fear or doubt.

The Confidence Man also offers practical advice on how you can boost your own self-confidence in any situation. You’ll learn tried-and-true methods for overcoming negative thoughts, building positive relationships, dealing with criticism, and more. Through real-life stories, scientific research, and inspiring anecdotes, this book gives you all the tools you need to build your own confidence.

Whether you’re looking for a way to gain more self-assurance or just want to become the master of your own destiny, The Confidence Man will help you find the courage and conviction you need to pursue your dreams. So if you’re ready to take charge of your life, it’s time to pick up this powerful book and start making and breaking America with The Confidence Man!

Questions about The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America

 

What is The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America?

The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America is a book by Charles R. Geisst that explores the history of confidence men in American culture, from the 19th century to the present day. It examines how confidence men have shaped America’s economic, political, and social landscape and provides a unique look at how these swindlers have operated under the radar for centuries. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the fascinating world of American con artists and their impact on our culture.

How does The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America explore the history of confidence men?

The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America dives into the rich history of confidence men in the United States, from their rise during the Gold Rush era to their modern-day prominence in our society. Charles R. Geisst examines the lives of well-known con artists such as P.T. Barnum and Charles Ponzi, as well as lesser-known figures like Soapy Smith and Jesse James, to provide readers with an insightful look at how confidence men have operated throughout history. This book also highlights how confidence games have been used by both corporate interests and everyday citizens to achieve success – or failure – depending on their luck.

Who should read The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America?

The Confidence Man: The Making and Breaking of America is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about American culture, economics, or criminal behavior. Whether you’re a student studying history or a general reader looking for an engaging read, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of confidence men in the United States that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these clever con artists.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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