MAURER, David W.
The Big Con: The Story of The Confidence Man and The Confidence Game
First edition. Fine in an about near fine dustwrapper, rubbed along the hinges and with a couple of tiny closed tears. This copy with the publisher's original yellow wraparound review band. Also laid into the book are three different promotional notices from the publisher, all in manual type, with biographical information about the author, and even an offer to send him questions by mail. A fascinating and exceptionally uncommon non-fiction account of con-men, and the definitive work on the subject. It was the primary reference used by David S. Ward for his original screenplay for the film The Sting. Maurer managed to effect a settlement with the studio when he showed that a single line from the book was identical to one of the stage directions. An important antecedent to one of the best films of the past few decades. The 1973 George Roy Hill-directed film featuring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay. Scarce in jacket, exceptionally so with the review band.
[BTC #71115]
