This book investigates the psychological and sociological drivers behind human deception, fraud, and the pervasive nature of fakery in modern society. Timothy Gower, an experienced journalist and author, synthesizes research from behavioral psychology and historical case studies to examine why individuals engage in fraudulent behavior and how society facilitates these deceptions. The text argues that fakery is not merely an outlier behavior but a complex phenomenon deeply embedded in human interaction and institutional structures.

Experts in behavioral science often cite this work for its accessible synthesis of complex psychological concepts regarding human dishonesty. Readers frequently note the clarity of the prose and the breadth of examples provided, making it a useful resource for understanding the mechanics of social deception.