Notable Literary Forgeries in History
by Some writings, such as a manuscript or memoir, when presented as an original but in reality a fake, are described as literary forgeries. Often, the forger may attempt to cash in on the fame of a celebrated author by imitating their writing style, even to the extent of fabricating so-called original manuscripts. Other types of literary forgery may involve the prestige and novelty that a previously undiscovered author may bring. Here are some notable literary forgeries in history.
Hitler Diaries
Adolf Hitler – 1934 (Image source)
In April 1983, West German news magazine Stern published extracts from what purported to be the secret diaries of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. Stern thought they had exclusive rights into one of the most sinister minds in history; but it turned out that they paid millions for a hoax.
“Hitler’s Diaries Discovered” – Stern (Image source)
German journalist Gerd Heidemann claimed to have discovered 62 handwritten volumes of what purported to be the secret diaries of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, and had them authenticated by notable World War II historians including Hugh Trevor-Roper and Gerhard Weinberg. He then sold the rights to them to Stern for 10 million Deutsche Marks (about 6 million US Dollars at the time) along with his story of how they were kept hidden in a barn in East Germany before being smuggled out by a certain Dr. Fischer. Stern certainly stood to make a great fortune by reselling the rights to other news media, but they first wanted to make sure that the diaries were genuine. Their enthusiasm undoubtedly soared when experts pronounced the handwriting in the diaries matched the handwriting found in letters written by Hitler.
However, two weeks after the extracts were published, Dr. Julius Grant, a British forensic scientist, revealed them as being “grotesquely superficial fakes.” Stern could have averted their huge loss of money had they subjected the diaries to a few simple scientific tests. Chemical analysis revealed that the ink used contained ingredients not manufactured before the 1950s and had only recently been applied onto the paper. Historical inaccuracies and anachronisms contained in the diaries should have also raised suspicions, but every news organization seems too eager to make a profit from it. It was soon discovered that Dr. Fischer was in reality Konrad Kujau, a prolific Stuttgart illustrator and forger who also wrote the supposed Hitler letters used to compare the handwriting in the diaries. Stern eventually filed fraud charges against Heidemann and Kujau, who were both sentenced to 42 months imprisonment in 1985.
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Post CommentMelody SJAL
On September 11, 2009 at 4:27 am
Wow, these forgeries are spectacular. Reminds me of Irving Wallace’s novel ‘The Word’ which I read years ago. A very interesting post, my friend.
Debra.
On September 11, 2009 at 4:44 am
Eddie, this is a very well written and fascinating article! Really enjoyed the one on ‘Thomas Chatterton’.
Auron Renius
On September 11, 2009 at 5:29 am
Interesting article.
Mr Ghaz
On September 11, 2009 at 5:58 am
Excellent!..very well written and highly informative article..Thanks for sharing this magnificent work. KEEP IT UP EDDY! welcome back.
Jenny Heart
On September 11, 2009 at 6:41 am
Magnificent indeed. Interesting and thought provoking. Great writing. Remember me Eddie. I use to be jewelsofmine and prayed for you mother’s blood pressure. Good to see you back.God bless and sit a spell and read my latest work. Thanks!
Yovita Siswati
On September 11, 2009 at 8:05 am
You are a writer who never run out of interesting idea to write. I remember your series of various scandal stories. This article is surely very interesting!
Eunice Tan
On September 11, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Your list are precious. Like it!
papaleng
On September 12, 2009 at 12:10 am
An Excellent article to welcome your return. Nice to hear from you again, Eddie.
CutestPrincess
On October 2, 2009 at 4:30 am
wow… you really did a great job of writing this…