Circus and Carnival Ballyhoo: Sideshow Freaks, Jabbers and Blade Box Queens [Paperback]

A. W. Stencell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2010

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A former circus owner chronicles the colourful history of sideshows. Full of photos from the author’s private collection and evocative slang such as ‘grifters’ and ‘lot lice,’ the book links exhibitions of freaks and curiosities past to today’s Body Worlds science shows and reality TV contests involving the ingestion of bugs."  —Globe and Mail

About the Author

A. W. Stencell owned and operated his own circus for 19 years and is a former president of the Circus Historical Society. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: ECW Press (August 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550228803
• ISBN-13: 978-1550228809
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #462,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The World of Strange, Odd and unusual, October 29, 2010

By 

ringmaster ed - See all my reviews

This review is from: Circus and Carnival Ballyhoo: Sideshow Freaks, Jabbers and Blade Box Queens (Paperback)

The book Ballyhoo by Al Stencil is a wonderful return to the world of sawdust and spangles as it was many years ago. Today you see many of these previous attractions walking down the city streets and shopping at Wal Mart. As a matter of fact in the last year I have seen more tatooed women while shopping that had as many designs on them as Betty Broadbent and it is quite easy to see women larger than Baby Irene in any shopping mall. The book is well written and illustrated with numerous great photos. This book is a must for any fan of the good old days when the circus and carnival really was a show for children of all ages.