The Modern Con Man: How to Get Something for Nothing - Hardcover

Robbins, Todd

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 159691453X ISBN 13: 9781596914537

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA, 2008

Synopsis

Whether it's winning $50 on a bar bet, scoring seats closer to the fifty-yard line, or finagling a free meal, The Modern Con Man ensures that aspiring low-risk grifters will always come out on top. Filled with humorous facts and tables, a glossary of con terms, illustrations, the history of the con, and easy-to-follow swindles, this is the perfect gift for the hidden flim-flam artist in your life.

About this title

About the Author

Todd Robbins is a New York-based entertainer who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Good Morning America, and stars in the DVD series The Modern Con Man Collection. The Modern Con Man Collective consists of Gadi Harel and Marcel Sarmiento, proprietors of the Los Angeles-based production company Hollywoodmade and creators of the Modern Con Man Collection DVD series, and Jack Silbert, a writer for the New York Times.

Review

“This book may not make you smarter or more handsome, but it sure as hell will make you a lot more interesting -- and dangerous -- to hang out with.” ―Eric Garcia, author of Matchstick Men

“Get your con on. Working is for saps. Todd Robbins, author of "The Modern Con Man: How to Get Something for Nothing," teaches would-be swindlers how to get on the grift.” ―The Guide / Los Angeles Times

“A handy, illustrated manual for would-be artists of deception! Todd Robbins is a con man and a good one at that... He parts fools from money with the precision of a surgeon. Even more enjoyable, though, than the nostalgic whisky-and-shadow-soaked hinterland the book evokes is the sinister pleasure Mr. Robbins takes in swindling. At heart, all con men are Manichaean, and Mr. Robbins is no exception.” ―New York Observer

“Most of these short cons are delightful for both the prankster and the mark, unless they involve large wagers. Perform at your own risk.” ―BoingBoing.com

“The Modern Con Man: How To Get Something for Nothing ... aims to effect a renaissance in these peculiarly American dark arts. These gentlemen are experts in the pool-hall hustle, the train-station grift, the boozy bar bet and every other sort of elegantly fixed wager from days of yore--with a modern twist.” ―Metromix Los Angeles

“Todd is a god.” ―Penn & Teller on Todd Robbins

“A Legend!” ―New York Post on Todd Robbins

“The Flim-Flam Maestro!” ―New York magazine on Todd Robbins

“The master of old-world deception.” ―New York Newsday on Todd Robbins

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 159691453X
• ISBN 13: 9781596914537
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240