Written by Danyette Clack
Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Clifford Irving is a name that has become synonymous with controversy and scandal in the literary world. Born in 1930, he was an American writer who rose to fame and infamy for his involvement in one of the most audacious literary hoaxes of all time. Irving’s notoriety stems from his attempt to forge the autobiography of the reclusive billionaire, Howard Hughes, in the early 1970s.
In this article, we will delve into the intriguing life of Clifford Irving and uncover some lesser-known facts about this enigmatic figure. From his early years as a struggling author to his dramatic fall from grace, Irving’s story is a captivating tale of ambition, deceit, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.
Key Takeaways:
- Clifford Irving’s infamous forgery of Howard Hughes’ autobiography captivated the world and led to his conviction for fraud, serving time in prison and inspiring a documentary and feature film.
- Despite being a successful novelist, Irving’s attempt to deceive the public with forged documents tarnished his reputation and left a cautionary tale about the consequences of deception in literature.
Clifford Irving forged Howard Hughes’ autobiography.
In one of the most audacious literary scandals of the 20th century, Clifford Irving claimed to have been commissioned by reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes to write his autobiography.
The hoax captivated the world.
Clifford Irving’s claim of having access to Hughes and his unpublished memoirs created a media frenzy, drawing international attention.
He received a substantial advance for the book.
Publishing house McGraw-Hill agreed to pay Irving a staggering $750,000 for the rights to the fabricated autobiography.
Publishers became suspicious.
As Irving continued to delay the delivery of the Hughes autobiography, suspicions grew among the publishers and journalists.
The handwriting analysis exposed the forgery.
A handwriting expert confirmed that the documents supposedly written by Hughes were, in fact, forgeries, leading to the unraveling of Irving’s deceit.
Clifford Irving was convicted of fraud.
In 1972, Irving was found guilty of fraud and conspiracy in the elaborate scheme to deceive the public and publishers.
He served time in prison.
Clifford Irving was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for his role in the Howard Hughes autobiography hoax.
The scandal inspired a documentary.
The story of Clifford Irving and the forged autobiography was the subject of the 2009 documentary “The Hoax,” directed by Lasse Hallström.
Irving attempted another forgery.
After the Hughes hoax, Clifford Irving tried to pass off a fake letter from Adolf Hitler as genuine but was quickly exposed.
His memoir caused controversy post-prison.
After his release from prison, Irving wrote a memoir titled “The Hoax,” detailing his experiences with the Hughes autobiography hoax, which generated further controversy.
Clifford Irving was a successful novelist before the scandal.
Before the forgery scandal, Irving was a respected author, known for his novels such as “Fake!” and “The Valley.”
He collaborated with other writers.
Irving worked with various writers, including Richard Suskind and Paul Erdman, to co-author books before his career took a downward turn.
The scandal ruined his reputation.
Clifford Irving’s involvement in the forgery scandal permanently tarnished his reputation and cast a shadow over his previous literary achievements.
He attempted a comeback.
In the years following his release from prison, Irving attempted to revive his writing career but struggled to regain the same level of success.
Irving wrote about his experiences in jail.
In his book “Trial,” Clifford Irving provided a firsthand account of his time in prison and reflections on the consequences of his actions.
The story was turned into a feature film.
The Clifford Irving forgery scandal was the basis for the 2007 film “The Hoax,” starring Richard Gere as Irving.
He passed away in 2017.
Clifford Irving died at the age of 87 in Florida, leaving behind a legacy marred by scandal.
His actions left a lasting impact.
The Clifford Irving forgery scandal remains a cautionary tale and a reminder of the consequences of deception and fraud in the world of literature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Clifford Irving was a fascinating and controversial figure in the world of celebrity. From his audacious forgery attempt to his written works, Irving’s life was filled with intrigue and deception. Despite his dubious actions, he undeniably left a significant impact on the literary and entertainment realm.
Whether one sees Clifford Irving as a mastermind or a con artist, his story remains an important chapter in the history of celebrities and their influence. From his bold attempts to deceive the world to the lasting cultural impact of his works, Irving will forever be remembered as a complex and enigmatic personality.
FAQs
1. Who is Clifford Irving?
Clifford Irving was an American writer who gained notoriety for his involvement in a literary forgery scandal in the 1970s.
2. What was Clifford Irving’s most famous forgery attempt?
Clifford Irving’s most famous forgery attempt was when he claimed to have written the authorized autobiography of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.
3. What were the consequences of Clifford Irving’s forgery attempt?
Clifford Irving faced legal repercussions for his forgery attempt and was sentenced to prison. The scandal also damaged his reputation and career as a writer.
4. Did Clifford Irving have any legitimate literary works?
Yes, Clifford Irving had several legitimate literary works, including novels and non-fiction books, prior to his forgery scandal. His most notable works include “Fake!” and “The Hoax.”
5. How did Clifford Irving’s actions impact the celebrity world?
Clifford Irving’s forgery attempt created a stir in the celebrity world, raising questions surrounding authenticity and the trustworthiness of public figures and their autobiographies.
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