Henry Hitchings

Are the English exceptionally gullible?

It became common in the 18th century to speak of ‘English credulity’ and there was no shortage of hoaxers to exploit it, as Ian Keable’s enjoyable case histories show

‘English Credulity or the Invisible Ghost’. In a thronged room in Cock Lane two children lie in bed while the ghost of Fanny Lynes appears above them carrying a mallet (to make knocking sounds). [Alamy]

  • The Century of Deception: The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth-Century England

    Ian Keable

    Westbourne Press, pp. 305, £20

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Get a free bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label when you subscribe to The Spectator for just £12 in our Black Friday sale

  • Free bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, worth £30
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Lloyd Evans

Angela Rayner has lost her edge

It was deputies’ day at PMQs. Sir Keir Starmer is busy flying around the world yet again. This time he’s trying to charm the unlucky leaders of the G20. Angela Rayner took his place at PMQs opposite Alex Burghart for the Tories. His opener was terse and effective.  ‘What is the government doing to bring

More on hoaxes

Also by Henry Hitchings

Latest

Comments

Black Friday sale: Get 10 weeks for just $1

Unlimited access to the The Spectator, online and via the app

Already a subscriber? Log in