Freaks [Paperback]

Daniel P. Mannix (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999

History. Cultural studies. Another long out-of-print classic book based on Mannix's personal acquaintence with sideshow stars such as the Alligator Man and the Monkey Woman, etc. Read all about the notorious love affairs of midgets; the amazing story of the elephant boy; the unusual amours of Jolly Daisy, the fat woman; the famous pinhead who inspired Verdi's RIGOLETTO; the tragedy of Betty Lou Williams and her parasitic twin; the black midget, only 34 inches tall, who was happily married to a 264-pound wife; the human torso who could sew, crochet and type; and bizarre accounts of normal humans turned into freaks -- either voluntarily or by evil design! 88 astounding photographs and additional material from the author's personal collection. RE/search has provided us with a moving glimpse at the rarified world of physical deformity; aglimpse that ultimately succeeds in its goal of humanizing the inhuman, revealing the beauty that lies behind the grotesque and in dramatically illustrating the triumph of the human spirit in th

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Originally printed in a small edition and withdrawn by the publisher after one month, this book (out of print for nearly 20 years), is brought back to eye-popping life with many new photos. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Daniel P. Mannix was the author of numerous books, including Those About To Die, Memoirs of a Sword Swallower, The Wolves of Paris, as well as many magazine articles. He died in 1997. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Juno Books (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965104257
• ISBN-13: 978-0965104258
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #666,730 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Law > Specialties > Disability

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Pictures, Disappointing Text, March 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Freaks (Paperback)

I pre-ordered my copy of this book with a great deal of anticipation, and am still having mixed emotions about the purchase. Mr. Mannix's collection of pictures alone is likely worth the price of the book for many - I was, however, seeking something a little more researched and scholarly (not boring, just well put together and intelligent).

Mr. Mannix establishes himself in the first four or five pages an unapologetic reporter of inaccuracies (e.g. when he uses Helen Keller as an example of a 'freak', stating that she was born a blind, deaf mute... She was, in fact, born normal, and suffered these impairments as a result of a nearly lethal fever in infancy), and the publisher seems to have only given the text the most cursory of proofreadings (one 'freak', a midget, is referred to as having been the State Treasurer of "taxes" (he was the State Treasurer of TEXAS).

Am I picking nits? Absolutely. However, when I purchase a book I tend to expect something with a little more polish and depth than a high school research paper. Otherwise, for sheer annecdotal value, Mr. Mannix's book is an intresting and at times touching read. I would reccomend it to anyone for the pictures, and only the the exceedingly patient for the text.

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tender look at sideshow attractions, June 14, 2002

By 

frumiousb "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Freaks (Paperback)

It is easy to assume that this book is going to be a kind of titillating exploitative look at freaks, but that is not what it is at all. Mannix draws from his extensive carnie experience to create a tender and even sweet look at people who were not like others around them. Mannix is clearly fueled by anger that political correctness has deprived these people of their means of earning a living and forced them into institutions. It is a way of thinking that I had not encountered before this book. He covers giants, midgets, people with parasitic twins, hermaphrodites, fat people, wild people and many others-- telling stories and anecdotes of his time on the road. Well worth the time.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Step Right Up!, August 3, 2001

By 

Ann marie Houghtailing (Chula Vista, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Freaks (Paperback)

Daniel Mannix introduces us into the world of "Freaks" and the history of sideshows. His adoration and interst in the subject matter is not a critical analysis, but rather a tender overview based on personal interactions. Freaks: We who are not as Others, is really like a scrapbook of photos and reflections. There are some rudimentary insights about the nature of freakdom, but this is not an academic document. Mannix clearly holds a bias in favour of freak shows and this can be interesting to consider in a time when we are overwhelmed by political correctness.

Some of the photos in the book are startling and disturbing, but the text is very accessible and easy to read, not unlike a journal. The book is a good choice for those wanting an introduction into the world of Freaks, or just a little trivia about some of the actors from the Wizard of Oz.

The nature of the material can be sad at times but Mannix maintains a very optimistic tone. His style is very casual and conversational.

I recommend taking a look at this book for the historical content, personal experience and general curiousity. This may be one of the few times in your life you will be allowed to gawk unabashedly at that which you have been trained to turn away from. Step Right Up, Ladies and Gentlemen!