Customer Reviews

Freak Show: Presenting Human Oddities for Amusement and Profit

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been using Freak Show in my Introduction to Sociology class since it has been published. I find the book to be a great way to introduce students to a qualitative approach to the sociology of deviance. Bogdan's fresh approach to the material makes the experiences of the so-called "freaks" come alive. Discussion that ensues covers the range from the construction of disabilites, how non-white "races" were constructed as "inferior," and the way modern-day "Freak shows" live on in TV-talk shows. I have frequently cast about for a newer supplemental reading to offer my students, but have always come back to Freak Show. And for all you non-professors out there, I recommend the book as a great read!

I was afraid that this was going to be one of those hand-wringing tsk-tsk-tsk books with pretenses to sociology. Not a bit of it! It's a well-researched and pleasant history of just what we all want to read about and see at the sideshow. It is particularly uplifting to know that many of these "freaks" are equananimous about their condition, and don't consider themselves particularly ill-treated. The belief that they are sad creatures whom fate has done poorly by, is simply our own condescension.

The author did an excellent job of writing about freak shows in their historical context. Even though written as sociological qualitative research, the lay person can read and enjoy this book. I am buying it for my mother who is not involved in the world of academia. It is well written and provides the reader with an appreciation of the history. I would recommend it.

I loved every page of this book. It gave me the most in depth information on the development of the side show and the expoitation of human beings. Also was included little known personal information on some of my favorite oddities. A very intelligent read.

I bought this book as a gift for my husband after we viewed a documentary on circus side shows. It is a very well-written book, and the people are sensitively portrayed.

This book is a book that tells you about the ins and outs of how the freakshows started and profited. I had no idea that it was a social book. I thought that it would be a a book about "freaks". I was wrong. It is a good book though. I enjoy reading about oddities and liked learning about how they were brought about into the public eye. It's worth taking a look at.

I read this book and I will probably read it again. The subject is handled with respect - I appreciated that. Sure - it could have more pictures and maybe more "gossipy stuff - like the tall man who ran way with the fat lady behind the lion tamer's back, etc" = but I still found every page had something for me.

If carnivals and sideshows are of great interest to you, this book may be worth a read. However, if you've read much about carnivals and sideshows, I think you'll find this book is a repeat of information which you've seen before.

This book will remind you of reading school books - written by a teacher - you think you'll be tested on the content.