The Poet and the Murderer: A True Story of Verse, Violence and the Art of Forgery by Simon Worrall

Description

“The Poet and the Murderer: A True Story of Verse, Violence and the Art of Forgery” is a non-fiction book written by Simon Worrall. Published in 2003, the book tells the intriguing and true story of a man named Mark Hofmann, who became infamous for his involvement in literary forgery and murder.

Mark Hofmann was a skilled forger who specialized in creating fake historical documents and manuscripts, often with connections to early Mormon history. He managed to deceive collectors, historians, and institutions with his fraudulent creations. However, as his forgeries became more elaborate and his deceptions more complex, he found himself in a web of lies that eventually led to murder.

The book explores Hofmann’s criminal activities, the extent of his forgeries, the impact of his actions on the world of rare documents and historical research, and the circumstances that ultimately led him to commit murder. The title “The Poet and the Murderer” refers to the dual nature of Hofmann’s activities, as he was both a forger of literary works and a murderer.

Simon Worrall’s book delves into the psychology of Hofmann, the intricate world of document authentication, and the broader implications of forgery and deception in the world of art and history. It’s a compelling narrative that combines elements of true crime, literary intrigue, and the complexities of human behavior.