In the early 19th century, amid the fevered dreams of empire and fortune, one man orchestrated one of history's most audacious frauds. Gregor MacGregor, a Scottish adven-turer and self-proclaimed "Cazique of Poyais," convinced hundreds of hopeful settlers and investors that he ruled over a prosperous new land in Central Americaa nation that did not exist.With masterful deception, MacGregor fabricated maps, official documents, and even a working currency to sell the dream of Poyais to the desperate and ambitious alike. His victims, lured by the promise of wealth and freedom, set sail for...