Raphaël Baud présente "Psalmanaazaar ou la brillante imposture" à l'Écume des pages

A discussion with Raphaël Baud about "Psalmanaazaar or the Brilliant Imposture" (https://www.lesbelleslettres.com/livr..., moderated by Léo F., will take place at the L'Écume des Pages bookstore (174 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris). At the very beginning of the 18th century, a surprising young, ingenious, and cultured vagabond conceived an imposture that would make him famous throughout Europe: claiming to bear the strange name of Psalmanaazaar, he asserted that he was a Japanese man arriving from the island of Formosa. His lie was so convincing that, at barely twenty years old, he managed to fool all the learned societies of England and the Dutch Republic with his deception. Brilliant and erudite, he created an entirely imaginary language that was recognized by eminent Oxford linguists as perfectly authentic, and published a book on the customs and traditions of his supposed country, which contained not a single word of truth and enjoyed resounding success. Only one man, a corrupt and treacherous chaplain, was able to unmask his imposture and set about making him his puppet. Now forgotten by all, the true story of Psalmanaazaar is recounted to us by his valet and friend, who provides an intimate and sincere chronicle of this young prodigy, trapped in a life of lies and solitude. Les Belles Lettres on Facebook:   / lesbelleslettres   Les Belles Lettres on Twitter/X:   / belleslettresed   Les Belles Lettres on Instagram:   / lesbelleslettreseditions   Les Belles Lettres on LinkedIn:   / editions-les-belles-lettres