Tricks and Traps of New York City: Guides for Dorks Paperback – October 26, 2016

Not merely a city guide, Tricks and Traps of New York City by C. H. Brainard is a wry, practical handbook for the unwary visitor—part survival manual, part comic exposé—cataloguing the scams, pitfalls, and petty deceptions that await the naïve traveler and the well-meaning newcomer in the metropolis. Written in a brisk, anecdotal style, the book warns readers how to navigate hustles, tourist traps, unscrupulous tradesmen, and urban absurdities with common sense and a pinch of skepticism.

Brainard blends first-hand encounters, laughable examples, and useful counsel, teaching readers how to recognize telltale signs of a swindle, avoid overcharges, and travel the city with confidence. Equal parts cautionary tale and streetwise primer, this volume is indispensable for anyone who wishes to move through New York’s crowds without falling prey to its lesser arts.

Practical advice and amusing anecdotes about urban frauds and petty schemes

Identifies common tourist traps, dishonest vendors, and confidence tricks

A readable blend of humor, social observation, and pragmatic counsel

Essential for travelers, urban historians, and readers of Americana