The Illusion of Poyer

This chapter explores an elaborate scam centered around a fictitious land called Poyer, designed by a con artist to attract unsuspecting investors. Drawing parallels to historical financial ventures, it illustrates the rampant speculation and greed during the rise of merchant banking and the London Stock Exchange. Through humorous insights, the narrative exposes the gullibility of investors who were misled by extravagant promises amid the political upheaval in post-colonial South America.