Ron Robin takes an intriguing look at the shifting nature of academic and public discourse in this incisive consideration of recent academic scandals—including charges of plagiarism against Stephen Ambrose, Derek Freeman's attempt to debunk Margaret Mead's research, Michael Bellesiles's alleged fabrication of an early America without weapons, Joseph Ellis's imaginary participation in major historical events of the 1960s, Napoleon Chagnon's creation and manipulation of a "Stone Age people," and accusations that Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchú's testimony on the Maya holocaust was in part fiction. Scandals and Scoundrels makes the case that, contrary to popular imagery, we're not living in particularly deviant times and there is no fundamental flaw permeating a decadent academy. Instead, Robin argues, latter-day scandals are media events, tailored for the melodramatic and sensationalist formats of mass mediation. In addition, the contentious and uninhibited nature of cyberdebates fosters acrimonious exposure. Ron convincingly demonstrates that scandals are part of a necessary process of rule making and reinvention rather than a symptom of the bankruptcy of the scientific enterprise.

"American history buffs will savor this detailed yet accessible roundup of political imbroglios." —Publishers Weekly Political scandals have become an indelible feature of the American political system since the creation of the republic more than two centuries ago. In his previous book, Libertines: American Political Sex Scandals from Alexander Hamilton to Donald Trump, Michael Martinez explored why public figures sometimes take extraordinary risks, sullying their good names, humiliating their families, placing themselves in legal jeopardy, and potentially destroying their political careers as they seek to gratify their sexual desires. In Scoundrels, Martinez examines thirteen of the most famous (or infamous) and not-so-famous political scandals of other sorts in American history, including the Teapot Dome case from the 1920s, the Watergate break-in and cover-up in the 1970s, the Iran-Contra affair of the 1980s, and Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Combining riveting storytelling with insights into 200 years of American political corruption, Martinez has once again written a book that will enlighten all readers interested in human nature and political history.

Move over, Benedict Arnold . . . Oh to be sure, America's first traitor is one of the 101 bastards you will find in this one-of-a-kind account of bad guys in Washington. But compared to some of the gross misconduct in this frighteningly funny history book, well, let's just say he's in good company. This page-turner of a potboiler reveals all the dirtiest little secrets readers never learned in history class. From illegitimate children (we thought Grover Cleveland was too boring to have sex) and illicit trysts (Warren G. Harding in the White House phone booth with his secretary) to turncoats (make up your own mind about Daniel Ellsberg) and traitors (General Wilkinson, aka a Spanish secret agent), you will discover all the dirt worth dishing since the founding of Jamestown. The Book of Bastards - because what you don't know about the history of our great nation can make you laugh and cry!

Natalie Prescott was a woman who did not give her heart easily but was the first to take one, make it hers then toss it aside. A broken heart had left her scorned and though she had a way with men, she didn't have one in particular that seemed to be of any use to her for any length of time. Phillip Carey, Duke of Norwood and nephew to the king, catches her eye at a palace function but he couldn't be any less concerned with her. Phillip is far too concerned with a new task commissioned by the king and it was of the utmost importance and will benefit him greatly once completed. With only the job on his mind, Phillip has no time for romance and sees only how to get it done. Will a chance meeting between the two lead to a chance for them to both get what they want? Can he forgive her once he finds out that she lied in order to get closer to him?

There was no scandal like the girl who said a cable car accident turned her into a nymphomaniac. She was awarded $50,000 for it. How about the judge who loved playing three-card-monte on the public's money. When he was broke and needed money he opened court. He summoned a deputy and told him to bring in a drunk with money. After fining the drunk, he pocketed the $20 fine and went back to playing three-card monte. This book is filled with outlandish and sometimes humorous tales of the scam games of the west and the scandals that occurred along with them.

The author explains how he worked as an investigative reporter for forty years and tells the stories behind some of his most engrossing cases.