From the Publisher
"This book about the con shows an old pro at the top of her game. Amy Sargeant has assembled a rogues' gallery of amoral, (borderline) psychopathic salesmen, Nietzschean self-inventors all, whose strategems evoke both the workings of the dream factory itself and the depthless façade of our collective 'Big Store'. There's a wealth of reference and analysis here: from astute commentary on classics both cinematic and literary (Br'er Rabbit!) to close readings of recent examples of the genre. Presiding 'Master of the Con' is David Mamet, with whom Sargeant shares the rare talent not to waste a word." (Tom Paulus, Professor of Film and Theatre Studies, University of Antwerp, Belgium, editor (with Rob King) of AFI Film Reader Slapstick Comedy)
“Sargeant offers a brisk, perceptive overview of crime film subgenres finally getting their due. Overshadowed by gangster and heist films, thesting and the con depict mysterious versions of the criminal, victim and avenger, which Sargeant unlocks with insightful commentary. Comprehensive in its own right, this text will inspire further discussion greatly needed in the field.” (Matthew Sorrento, Lecturer on Film and Media Studies, Rutgers University-Camden, author of The New American Crime Film, Co-Editor, Film International)