Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom

You can call me Dr. Fathom or Count Fathom, but the truth is, I’m not who I claim to be. With a mother who was a soldiers harlot, scavenging the battlefield for valuables, and an unknown father, I learned early that honesty doesn’t always bring reward. Instead, charm and a well-timed lie opened doors. My path led me to a wealthy Hungarian count, who unwittingly made me a mentor to his naïve son, Renaldo. Oh, how I envied Renaldo’s fortune, his exquisite life, and his beautiful wife—if only for a fleeting conquest. This tale unfolds my schemes and desires, revealing how easily people are drawn to tall tales and the allure of deception. - Summary by Arthur Krolman