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The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man, by David MaurerRead about another entry on the list.
This book first came out in 1940, so a few of the details are a little outdated. Very often, the confidence games described within seem several levels more complicated than simply getting a regular job (a few of them require the con artist to open and sustain a fake retail storefront. But the language is amazing and the history is fun, and (if nothing else) it will dramatically amplify your enjoyment of movies directed by David Mamet.
--Marshal Zeringue