Machiavellians, better known as "master manipulators," are hardwired to lie, cheat, scheme, and betray. Compared to narcissists and psychopaths, they are poorly understood. But they are more numerous and can be just as destructive. From day to day, you'll encounter Machiavellian master manipulators, many times without even realizing it. At last there's a book that peels away their mask of deception and reveals the truth about these predators.

Machiavellians: Gulling the Rubes explores the psychology of master manipulators, shows you how to recognize them, and reveals how you can beat them at their own game. Psychologist Dale Hartley introduces the Mach-20 test of Machiavellianism which anyone can take and score. He explains how you can outwit these amoral and conniving opportunists using "MADAR" - Machiavellian Advance Detection and Resistance - a set of skills and tactics you'll find invaluable. Master manipulators see other people as "rubes," ripe for exploitation. With this book you'll never be caught unprepared again.

Based on Dr. Hartley's popular Psychology Today blog, this book features true cases of schemers, swindlers, stalkers, seducers, pathological liars, and con artists told in an entertaining narrative style. These true tales - some funny, some tragic, and some outrageous - reveal the truth about Machiavellian personalities.

Editorial Reviews

"In our unfortunate era of misinformation, we now have the essential tools needed to identify, and protect ourselves against, the wiles of common Machiavellians, con artists, seducers, swindlers, gaslighters, sandbaggers, and the like in Dale Hartley's masterpiece, Machiavellians: Gulling the Rubes. Our vision is cleared by this much awaited, modernized lens of Machiavellianism-of which we will find useful in virtually every social area of life."-John V. Petrocelli, Author of The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit.

"Machiavellians: Gulling the Rubes belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who wants to know how to protect themselves from manipulative liars and predatory scoundrels. Dr. Hartley's book reads like a page-turning thriller with just the right amount of humor and actionable advice to leave the reader richly rewarded with life-saving wisdom."-Gina Simmons Schneider, Ph.D. author of Frazzlebrain: Break free from anxiety, anger, and stress using advanced discoveries in neuropsychology.

"I loved Dale's book. It is a fascinating deep dive into the mechanics of human manipulation. His research, his stories and his analysis are rich with relevance to the everyday dilemmas we all face, whether at work or at home."- Pamela Meyer, author of Liespotting.

"...a fascinating deep dive into the dark side of human personality.... a must-read for anyone who is interested in the dark side of human personality and wants to protect themselves from being manipulated." -Sander van der Linden, author of FOOLPROOF: Why Misinformation Infects our Minds and How to Build Immunity.

Editorial Reviews