Synopsis
This illustrated and light-hearted volume tells the history of the tradition of pretence and rebellion through the remarkable stories of many individuals who have pictured themselves as kings, queens or presidents. Beginning with Greek and Roman pretenders, such as the Roman governor Posthumus who declared imself emperor in AD 260, the authors discuss the circumstances that have produced imposters and the means that they have used to cling to power or keep their hopes alive. More recent pretenders include usurper Henry IV, various Stuarts, a line that still produces `heirs' today, and numerous European claimants, including the famous case of Anna Anderson or Grand Duchess Anastasia.
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About the Author
Jonathan Williams is a curator at the British Museum, specializing in modern money and Roman and Iron Age coins respectively.
Reviews
Effectively run societies depend on a degree of acquiescence from citizens. Yet, those who refuse to play by the rules are often compelling figures; we may disapprove of them, but we cannot ignore them. Cheesman and Williams are curators in the Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum. In their wide-ranging survey, they examine a fascinating collection of misfits, frauds, and losers who have still managed to hold our interest through the ages. Some, such as Adam and Eve, are examined for their symbolic value. Others, such as the Roman emperor Galba, provide enticing examples of men who could have achieved greatness in a different century. Some of the pretenders seem figures of farce, but others rise to the level of tragic heroism. Cheesman and Williams often take a lighthearted, fanciful approach to their subjects. Their book cannot be viewed as a serious work of history, but it is fun and frequently provides interesting observations on how societies cope with those who combat them from the outside. Jay Freeman
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Rebels Pretenders & Impostors
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SftCvr, VG, several illustrations, index included, 8vo, 192 p. Seller Inventory # 001732
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Rebels, Pretenders, & Impostors
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Gordonsville, Virginia, U.S.A.Gordonsville, Virginia, U.S.A.: St Martins Pr, 2000, 2000
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ISBN 13: 9780312238667
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Hardcover w/DJ. Condition: Very Good/Very Good. Gordonsville, Virginia, U.S.A.Gordonsville, Virginia, U.S.A.: St Martins Pr, 2000. Very Good/Very Good. 2000. Hardcover w/DJ. Dust jacket has wear to edges and corners; otherwise in Very Good condition. Book has very slight wear; otherwise in Very Good condition. Pages clean and unmarked. . Seller Inventory # BOOKS335100
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Rebels, Pretenders and Imposters
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Condition: good. Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZBV.0312238665.G
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Rebels, Pretenders and Imposters
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ISBN 10: 0312238665
ISBN 13: 9780312238667
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hbk large 8vo192pp illustrated excellent as new. Seller Inventory # WH276
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Rebels, Pretenders and Imposters
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St Martin's Press, 2000, 2000
ISBN 10: 0312238665
ISBN 13: 9780312238667
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Seller: Sutton Books, Norwich, VT, U.S.A.
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ISBN 10: 0312238665
ISBN 13: 9780312238667
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Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. At the time of publishing Cheesman & Williams where curators in the Department of Coins & Medals at the British Museum. In their wide-ranging survey, they examine a fascinating collection of misfits, frauds, and losers who have still managed to hold our interest through the ages. Some, such as Adam & Eve, are examined for their symbolic value. Others, such as the Roman emperor Galba, provide enticing examples of men who could have achieved greatness in a different century. Some of the pretenders seem figures of farce, but others rise to the level of tragic heroism. Illustrated through out, over 130 images. A 1st edition hardback copy with its dustjacket, in near to fine condition-the dust jackets covers edges are a little scuffed. (192 pages). Seller Inventory # 3265
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Rebels, Pretenders and Impostors
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St. Martin's Press, New York, 2000
ISBN 10: 0312238665
ISBN 13: 9780312238667
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First Edition
Seller: Wagon Tongue Books, Linden, AB, Canada
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Soft cover. Condition: Very Good ++. Colour and B/W Photographs (illustrator). First American. Page 56 of this 192 page examination will introduce you ro Prince Giorgio Carbone. His principality apparently dates to 954 A.D. LEARN more about : Domitian, symbolds of loyalty, Seleucid Empire, Carausius, Young Pretender, Sobieski Stuarts, Crown revenues, kingdom of Araucania, sutler, silver groat, and legitimist aspirations. Most of the fraud photos are in b/w with a small colour section at center. Cond : Paper wrapper is black with white lettering. Volume is tight, bright, square and clean.No nmaes nor marks. Giftable !! No names, marks, creases nor tears. Quote (p. 106) : " The imitation king is a well-known theme, Similar in many ways to the `prince of thieves' , he is often located in a criminal or near-criminal milieu, where he may be able to draw not only on authority but also on wealth (albeit ill-gotten). Other examples ._._._. ." Size: 8vo. Seller Inventory # 013030
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Rebels, Pretenders and Imposters
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ISBN 10: 0312238665
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Seller: Edmonton Book Store, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Condition: Very good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very good. 8vo pp.192."This illustrated and light-hearted volume tells the history of the tradition of pretence and rebellion through the remarkable stories of many individuals who have pictured themselves as kings, queens or presidents. Beginning with Greek and Roman pretenders, such as the Roman governor Posthumus who declared imself emperor in AD 260, the authors discuss the circumstances? book. Seller Inventory # 231858
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Rebels, Pretenders & Imposters
Seller: Alhambra Books, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good +. 192 pp, index, plates. Dj has light rubbing and edgewear. Interior unmarked. Seller Inventory # 032468
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Rebels, Pretenders and Imposters
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