The
Land That Never Was: Sir Gregor Macgregor and the Most Audacious Fraud
in History by David
Sinclair Book Description: The dazzling and very funny story of one of the greatest hoaxes in
history--a story as colorful and bizarre as the mastermind behind it.
Once upon a time, in the heart of Central America, there was a country
named Poyais. It was exceptionally rich in natural 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.
Two months 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 loveable rogue?
Hardcover from Da Capo Press
Book Published: 06 January, 2004
