The E-Sylum:  Volume 4, Number 27, July 1, 2001, Article 11

A LITERARY HOAX 

   Asylum Editor E. Tomlinson Fort provided a copy of 
   the latest catalog from Oak Knoll Press, publishers of 
   bibliographical references and books about books. 
   One interesting item for sale is a book titled "Anatomy 
   of a Literary Hoax" by Sid Berger.  From the catalog 
   description (Spring 2001, p112): 

   "This strange but true tale started in 1979 when Henry 
   Morris added a fictitious reference book to a lengthy list 
   of works cited in the bibliography of Nagashizuki, a book 
   authored by Timothy Barrett and printed by Henry Morris. 
   It took five years for the author and Sid Berger to finally 
   notice this bit of Morris humor.  The conspiracy began! 
   Morris was shown a xerox of a title page for the 
   fictitious reference book to show that it actually existed. 
   In reality the conspirators had the title page created by 
   Paul Duensing.  Morris was taken in hook, line, and sinker. 
   But now the story continues - you must read this book to 
   see how!  The edition is limited to 300 numbered copies." 

   Oak Knoll Press is located in New Castle, Delaware, 
   and may be reached at: http://www.oakknoll.com/ 

   Can any of our readers point out intentionally humorous 
   items inserted by authors of numismatic literature?  More 
   than a few have found their way into auction catalogs for 
   coins and even numismatic literature, although if you 
   eliminate swipes at fellow dealers the list dwindles quickly... 

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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