GET RICH QUICK

Arriving in Boston in 1903, Charles Ponzi arrived from Italy dressed like a man with money to burn, but he’d already gambled away his last cent.

This lively account from award-winner Day follows Ponzi’s path from penniless dreamer to millionaire con man and, ultimately, the namesake of one of the most infamous types of scams around. International reply coupons, created to provide return postage between correspondents in different countries, became Ponzi’s ticket to riches when post–World War I exchange rates made them temporarily cheaper in Europe than their U.S. redemption values. He envisioned buying coupons overseas and cashing them in for profit but soon discovered an even bigger opportunity: convincing investors to give him their money. A Ponzi scheme pays the earlier investors with money from newer ones, creating the illusion of profitable investments—until the flow of new money dries up, and the whole thing collapses. And collapse it does. Day deftly weaves together the beautiful mechanics of Ponzi’s con and other notorious schemes throughout history. The witty text makes complex financial fraud relatively accessible, while conversational chapter titles, second-person asides, and expert scene-setting keep readers engaged. Helquist’s expressive black-and-white illustrations, which are peppered throughout, show characters in a vintage style reminiscent of historical newspaper illustrations. Though the narrative drags in parts, its rip-roaring moments make this a fascinating introduction to the art (and audacity) of the con.

Cons, charisma, and clever storytelling.