Psalmanazar's Formosa Fantasy

In 1702, con artist George Psalmanazar fabricated a fantastical tale about the fictional land of Formosa (now Taiwan), claiming to be a native. With a Scottish priest, he traveled to London, shocking the English with tales of polygamy, cannibalism, and underground living for the upper class. His 1704 book became a bestseller. However, Psalmanazar was later discredited, yet he faced no punishment and went on to become a respected theologian.