Customer Reviews

Circus of the Scars : The True Inside Odyssey of a Modern Circus Sideshow

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Written by Jan Gregor, who held the position of road manager for the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow, this volume is an excellent counterpoint to Rose's "Freak Like Me." Having read both, I found this to have a broader viewpoint, including more details about and from the varied members of the group. The book covers mid 1991 through 1993 (Gregor's tenure), with notes from many of the groups tour dates of this time. Also included are many notes on historical sideshows, pictures of the original members and a 142-year-old circus diary....

As I am passionate about sideshows and a fan of Jim Rose I paid(for this book) and hoped I wouldn`t be dissapointed...Iwasn`t, this book is a true "warts `n` all" account of two years touring with the Jim Rose circus. If you enjoyed the "ego trip" Freak Like Me then I strongly suggest you purchase this book to get a more rounded view of the troupe. You get an insite into the world of the marvels, the problems of being on the road for allmost two years straight, and the enormous ego of the "master of hype". It also reveals the real story behind the Matt "the tube" and the Torture Kings departure. Well written, wonderfully illustrated, moving, humorous, honest... one of the best biographies I have ever read.

This is one of my favorite books i have ever read. I Own 3 books about jim rose. Freak Like Me, Snake Oil and this book circus of the scars. I love jim rose's act. He is amazing at what he does. You will not be hate this book. It is a good read and very entertaining. I read it in 2 days i could not put it down. There are a lot of funny stories about when the circus was on the road in the early days.This book can be costly depending on where you buy it. I bought mine from a site called madom talbot. If you look on e-bay you can find it cheaper. I bought my book brand new about 4 years ago i paid about 40.00 for back then. I still have it wrapped in the original plastic. I think it is actually worth about at least 60.00 if not more now. Mine is still mint! I have seen this book on e-bay for about 30.00 used.