Do you know of any historical tricksters?

Question

I am a big fan of people who are clever and good with their wits and wish to know some names of some historical and real life figures who were tricksters. Who are prime examples of such people?

Answer 1

Some unusual ones here:

Horace de Vere Cole:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_de_V...

Princess Caraboo:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Ca...

Chevalier d'Eon:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalier_d...

Answer 2

I am going to say Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin

"Perhaps best known for his innovative work with electricity, Benjamin Franklin was a noted scientist, business strategist, librarian, abolitionist, and philanthropist. His solid character, witty sense of humor and concern for the common man led to the publication of his Poor Richard's Almanac, which still remains the popular almanac in American history. In keeping with his selfless passion for the common good, he helped found the Philadelphia Hospital and themed its logo with the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan."

Answer 3

P.T. Barnum

Answer 4

I'm not sure they really qualify but JFK was able to keep quiet that the trade off for getting Russia to remove their weapons from Cuba was that the U.S. would remove theirs from Turkey.  He made it appear that the Russians flinched.

The other would be Bill Clinton's Base Closures to save tax dollars.  NAS Moffett Field was simply turned over to NASA and the Army base at Presidio (at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge) was turned over to the National Parks system.