Ralph Nader Radio Hour

“Ralph talks to professor Edward Balleisen about his book Fraud: An American History From Barnum to Madoff and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Hedrick Smith, rejoins us to critique Trump’s promises and tell us how we can “Reclaim the American Dream.”

The State of Things (WUNC)

Since the beginning of a capitalist economy in the United States, business endeavors have been fraught with examples of fraud and deceit. In his new book, “Fraud: An American History From Barnum to Madoff” (Princeton University Press/2017), Edward Balleisen chronicles the history of fraud in the U.S., from mail-order scams in the 19th century to examples of corporate fraud in the late 20th and early 21st century.

15Mb: The @dgwbirch Podcast Series

In chronicling a century long transition from caveat emptor to caveat venditor Ed delivers not only an enjoyable romp through the history of fraud, with a fascinating cast of characters from the well-known Bernie Madoff to retailer fraudster Zeno Burnham, but delivers a number of very fundamental lessons about social identity, reputation capital and trust.

Ways and Means

On this episode we look at the case of John Rusnak through an historical lens. It turns out fraud has been a key feature of American business from the beginning. We’ll explore why, and why it’s more urgent now than ever that we pay attention to the rules and regulations our policymakers are creating and taking away.

Episode features Edward Balleisen, associate professor of history and public policy and vice provost for interdisciplinary studies at Duke University. His new book is Fraud: An American History from Barnum to Madoff.

New Books in History

In Fraud, Balleisen surveys centuries of American political, legal, and business history.

Coastline: WHQR Wilmington

“Fraud: An American History from Barnum to Madoff,” Interview by Rachel Lewis Hinton, Aug. 10, 2017

Louisville Free Public Library

“Fraud: An American History from Barnum to Madoff,” discussion with University of Louisville historian Thomas Mackey, Louisville Legal Aid attorney Stephanie Willis, and Head of the Consumer Protection Division of the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Benjamin Long, Louisville Free Public Library, July 13, 2017