"The Confidence-Man" is a novel written by Herman Melville, published in 1857. The story unfolds on a riverboat traveling down the Mississippi River, where various characters encounter a mysterious con artist who assumes different identities. Through these interactions, the novel explores themes of deception, trust, and the nature of human relationships. The narrative is structured as a series of vignettes, each revealing the complexities of the characters' motivations and beliefs. As the con man manipulates those around him, readers are invited to reflect on the fine line between confidence and deceit, making the work a thought-provoking commentary on society.