Documents 

From Lentini the three-legged man and Siamese twins to equipment caravans and big top architects, this captivating collection lifts the striped curtain to reveal the larger-than-life world of circuses, carnivals, and freak shows in post-World War II America. Copious never-before-seen photographs, in-depth historical research, and insightful interviews with former sideshow employees illustrate the development of the circus sideshow, the roles of key groups—the freaks, working acts, managers, talkers—and the importance of the grift. [editor summary]

The author has interviewed the showmen and performers, collected carnival memorabilia, researched the published literature, and even performed some classic sideshow feats, such as eating fire and lying on a bed of nails while a cinderblock was broken on his chest. Secrets of the Sideshows reveals the specific methods and tricks behind the performances, the showmen’s tactics for recruiting performers and attracting crowds, and more. Nickell also examines the behind-the-scenes secrets of sideshow life, including details of the remarkable personal lives of those men and women billed as “freaks.” [editor summary]

Catalogue de l'exposition au musée d'Art contemporain de Lyon s'inspirant des "Freak Shows" dont le plus célèbre fut celui du cirque ambulant Barnum and Bailey aux USA, qui présentait d'étonnants phénomènes ou monstres de foire. Près de 50 œuvres interprètent et explorent les différents types de monstruosité ou d'anormalité avec des œuvres contorsionnistes, géantes, poilues, siamoises… en se préservant de tout anthropomorphisme. Ce catalogue, comporte 80 pages de vues de l'exposition en couleur, un glossaire des freaks célèbres et du folklore correspondant (de l'homme tronc à l'homme aquarium). [résumé de l'éditeur]

A fascinating look into the history of the American sideshow and its performers. Learn what’s real, what’s fake, and what’s just downright bizarre. You’ve probably heard of Tom Thumb. The Elephant Man. Perhaps even Chang and Eng, the original Siamese twins. But what about Eli Bowen, the legless acrobat? Or Prince Randian, the human torso? These were just a few of the many stars that shone during the heyday of the American sideshow, from 1840 to 1950. American Sideshow chronicles the lives of truly amazing performers, examining these brave and extraordinary curiosities not just as sideshow performers but as people, delving into the lives they led and the ways they were able to triumph over and even benefit from their abnormalities. American Sideshow discusses the rise and fall of the original sideshows and their subsequent replacement by today’s self-made freaks. With the progress of modern medicine, technological advancements, and the wonderful world of body modification, abnormalities are being overcome, treated and even prevented: Siamese twins can now be separated, and in addition to this, tongues can be forked, horns surgically implanted, and earlobes removed. There are also, of course, modern-day giants, fire eaters, sword swallowers, glass eaters, human blockheads, and oh, so much more. These fascinating personalities are celebrated through intimate biographies paired with stunning photographs. Approximately two hundred performers from the past one hundred and sixty years are featured, giving readers a comprehensive and sometimes astonishing look into the history of the American sideshow. [editor summary]

Carny Folk reveals the strange, fantastic, and misunderstood world of the side show attraction. This captivating anthology pulls back the curtain on fifty of the most famous side show celebrities of all time, revealing the astounding, the curious, and the little-known facts behind such subjects as: Joseph Carey Merrick: "The Elephant Man", Melvin Burkhart: The "father" of "human blockhead" and Bettie Lou Williams: Born with two bodies. [editor summary]

From striptease midgets, human pin cushions, and monkeys in miniature race cars to trained fleas and people with double bodies, three legs, and enormous feet, this chronicle of twisted midway attractions and the showmen who have presented them covers it all. The history of the circus side show and its companion, the carnival, is celebrated in words and rare, eye-popping images, making this a must for all collectors and enthusiasts. Interviews with many of the big players on the carnival circuit are included. [editor summary]

A unique book which documents the hey-day of the Girls Shows to be found at carnivals and circuses alike. Compiled from the author's collection of photographs, postcards and illustrations featuring circus and carnival from 1900 onward and with text describing the origins of girls shows, their European and American developments, the high point after WWII and their ultimate demise in the face of men's magazines and strip clubs, this is a valuable insight into a cultural phenomenon which ended in the 1970's . [editor summary]