The Myth of Ephraim Tutt: Arthur Train and His Great Literary Hoax
The great tradition of the literary hoax has amused and plagued Americans for centuries—from the publication of Jonathan Swift’s false almanac in 1708 to James Frey’s embellished “memoir” A Million Little Pieces in 2003—readers have been fooled time and again. In the case of Arthur Train, despite publishing hundreds of fictional stories over the course of twenty-five years about Ephraim Tutt—his most famous character—Train’s publication of Tutt’s autobiography in 1943 sparked worldwide confusion as readers were suddenly convinced that their favorite character was an actual person. In fact, hundreds of readers wrote to Tutt, praising his sense of humanity and thanking him for his public service. When rumors began to circulate that the book was a hoax, mayhem ensued—family feuds erupted, friendships dissolved, sundry bets were made, and there was even an incident resulting in bloodshed. Librarians reported their distress in trying to catalogue the book, and servicemen fighting in World War II wrote letters from around the world seeking clarification on the book’s author. When the truth was finally revealed, some readers laughed, others cried angry tears, and one disgruntled attorney sued for fraud.
The public has long debated whether hoaxes should remain a tolerated tradition or be designated a cultural malady in need of a cure. Recent hoaxes have resulted in criminal punishment and the payment of large legal settlements, causing some to question whether readers have lost their sense of humor and others to ask whether society still values “truth.” The debate may never end. However, as for the majority of those who read Tutt’s autobiography, the discomfort of being “had” was outweighed by the fulfillment of having a realistic and complete account of the “life” story of their familiar friend, Ephraim Tutt.
For more information about my book, please visit my publisher's website by clicking here
The public has long debated whether hoaxes should remain a tolerated tradition or be designated a cultural malady in need of a cure. Recent hoaxes have resulted in criminal punishment and the payment of large legal settlements, causing some to question whether readers have lost their sense of humor and others to ask whether society still values “truth.” The debate may never end. However, as for the majority of those who read Tutt’s autobiography, the discomfort of being “had” was outweighed by the fulfillment of having a realistic and complete account of the “life” story of their familiar friend, Ephraim Tutt.
For more information about my book, please visit my publisher's website by clicking here