Psalmanazar the Formosan fraud

BOUND in contemporary panelled calf, a 1704 first of An Historical & Geographical Description of Formosa..., the two folding engraved plates (of 16 in all) torn but skilfully repaired, realised £600 in a Lawrences of Crewkerne sale of July 6.

This notorious travellers’ tale was concocted by George Psalmanazar (1679?-1763), the name (derived …

Enjoy unlimited access: just £1 for 12 weeks

Subscribe now