Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-245) and index.

"The daring escape of the fictional Count of Monte Cristo pales in comparison to the real-life exploits of POWs, persecuted clerics, political detainees, contenders for thrones, master spies, and even common criminals."--Jacket.

"In this encyclopedia, disguises, ruses, stratagems, capers, devices, rescues, and plots abound, from a papier-mache POW substitute to Bonnie Prince Charlie's successful 1746 masquerade as a maid to a British airman's short-lived escape from a German hospital wearing a nurse's cap and cape - and enormous flying boots and a luxuriant mustache. Each story is a tribute to humankind's ingenuity, perseverance, courage, and indomitable will. The A-to-Z entries, many of them illustrated, suggest sources for pursing each subject further, and the book also contains a detailed bibliography and index."--Jacket.

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