George Psalmanazar, French-English author (b. 1679)

The Enigma of George Psalmanazar: From Formosan Impostor to Esteemed Scholar

Born around 1679, though the exact date and place remain shrouded in the mystery that defined his early life, George Psalmanazar (who passed away on May 3, 1763) carved a unique and utterly remarkable path through 18th-century Europe. He captured the imagination, and indeed the credulity, of many by presenting himself as the first native of Formosa—an island now known as Taiwan—ever to set foot on European soil. For several years, his elaborate ruse convinced a significant portion of Britain's intellectual and social elite, a testament both to his audacious creativity and the era's fascination with exotic, uncharted territories.

The Grand Deception: Inventing Formosa

Psalmanazar's initial claim was extraordinary: he was not merely a traveler but a prince from the faraway island of Formosa, kidnapped by Jesuits and brought to Europe. To bolster this fantastic narrative, he meticulously fabricated an entire culture. He invented a unique Formosan language, complete with an alphabet and grammar, which he could fluently "speak" and write. He described intricate religious rituals, social customs—such as eating raw flesh and practicing polygamy—and a detailed geographical layout of his supposed homeland, all designed to seem both plausible and astonishingly foreign to a European audience.

His deception was further solidified by his publication in 1704 of An Historical and Geographical Description of Formosa, an Island Subject to the Emperor of Japan. This book, an astonishing work of fiction presented as fact, included detailed woodcut illustrations of Formosan dress, religious ceremonies, and their unique calendar. It became a bestseller, offering eager readers a glimpse into a world few could ever hope to see. Psalmanazar lectured on his invented language, ate "Formosan" food (which often consisted of various raw meats and roots, further distinguishing him), and meticulously maintained his persona, even under scrutiny. He even claimed that Formosans worshipped the sun and moon, and sacrificed 18,000 young boys' hearts annually to their gods, a detail that, rather than raising immediate alarm, only seemed to add to the exotic allure.

The Unraveling of the Hoax

Despite his initial success, the cracks in Psalmanazar's elaborate edifice began to show. His detailed descriptions, while initially convincing, started to reveal inconsistencies. Scholars and curious minds questioned the geographical impossibility of some of his claims, the linguistic peculiarities of his "Formosan" language when compared to known Asian languages, and the sheer implausibility of some cultural practices he described. A notable moment of doubt occurred during a debate at Oxford University, where one of the participants, a genuine expert on Asian affairs, highlighted discrepancies in Psalmanazar's accounts. While he managed to deflect some accusations with quick wit and further embellishments, the pressure mounted.

Eventually, confronted with increasingly undeniable evidence and his own moral pangs, Psalmanazar confessed. The exact timing and circumstances of his full confession are debated, but by the 1710s, he had largely abandoned his public persona, acknowledging his European origins and the complete fabrication of his Formosan identity. This admission was a significant blow to those who had championed him, but it marked a profound turning point in his life.

A Path to Redemption and Literary Esteem

Following his public unmasking, George Psalmanazar underwent a remarkable transformation. Driven by genuine remorse and a newfound commitment to truth, he dedicated himself to a life of study and piety. He pursued theology with earnestness, eventually becoming a respected theological essayist. His intellectual capabilities, once channeled into elaborate deception, were now directed towards scholarly pursuits.

He contributed significantly to various literary projects, most notably providing geographical and historical sections for the monumental Universal History, a multi-volume work that became a standard reference of its time. This work, alongside his other writings, allowed him to rebuild his reputation, not as an impostor, but as a diligent and learned scholar.

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of Psalmanazar's later life was his integration into London's vibrant 18th-century literary scene. He became a trusted friend and acquaintance of many notable figures, including the formidable Dr. Samuel Johnson, one of the most influential literary figures of the age. Johnson, known for his piercing intellect and moral rigor, held Psalmanazar in high regard, describing him as a man of great learning and piety who had "outlived his infamy." Their friendship, along with his connections to others like John Hawkins, speaks volumes about Psalmanazar's profound personal change and the intellectual respect he ultimately garnered.

Legacy of a Reformed Impostor

George Psalmanazar's life story remains a compelling narrative of human ingenuity, credulity, and eventual redemption. His initial deception serves as a fascinating case study in the power of narrative and the public's appetite for the exotic. His later life, however, offers an inspiring testament to the possibility of genuine transformation and the capacity for intellectual contribution even after a public fall from grace. He passed away as a respected, if still uniquely remembered, figure in English letters, leaving behind not just a cautionary tale but also a legacy of earnest scholarship and a profound personal journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about George Psalmanazar

Who was George Psalmanazar?
George Psalmanazar (c. 1679 – 1763) was a French impostor who famously claimed to be the first native of Formosa (present-day Taiwan) to visit Europe in the early 18th century. He later confessed to his deception and became a respected theological essayist and scholar in London.
What was Psalmanazar's famous deception?
His most significant deception was convincing many people in Britain that he was a native Formosan. He fabricated an entire culture, language, religion, and history for the island, detailed in his bestselling book, An Historical and Geographical Description of Formosa.
How did Psalmanazar manage to convince so many people?
He maintained a consistent and elaborate persona, spoke his invented Formosan language, practiced peculiar customs, and published a convincing book filled with fabricated details and illustrations. The public's fascination with exotic lands and the lack of reliable information about distant cultures at the time also contributed to his success.
How was George Psalmanazar exposed?
His claims began to unravel due to inconsistencies in his narratives, the scrutiny of scholars who found his linguistic and geographical details implausible, and his eventual decision to confess. He admitted that he was of European origin and that his entire Formosan identity was a fabrication.
What did Psalmanazar do after his confession?
After his confession, Psalmanazar dedicated himself to a life of genuine scholarship and piety. He became a theological essayist, contributed significantly to the multi-volume Universal History, and gained respect as a learned individual in London's literary circles.
Who were Psalmanazar's notable friends and acquaintances in his later life?
In his later life, Psalmanazar became a close friend and acquaintance of prominent figures like Dr. Samuel Johnson, the celebrated English writer. Johnson held him in high regard, valuing his intellect and genuine repentance.
Why is George Psalmanazar remembered today?
He is remembered as a fascinating historical figure for his elaborate and successful hoax, which highlights 18th-century credulity and the allure of the exotic. Equally, his later life is noted as an example of profound personal transformation, intellectual redemption, and a testament to the power of genuine remorse and scholarship.