Synopsis
A popular magician offers a guide to the most exotic entertainers in the history of showbusiness--from the amazing feats of handicapped individuals to the unusual talents of trained animals
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Reviews
YA A historical compendium of the world's most bizarre and outrageous entertainers by one of the world's great sleight-of-hand artists. Reaching back into history as early as the 16th Century, Jay introduces readers to daredevils, mind readers, talented animals and their trainers, sword swallowers, and other wonders of the past. Some have been geniuses, others charlatans, but all have captured the imagination of their public. Although Jay handles the material unevenly, readers should leave the book with awe of the inventive genius of man, and of the incredible stamina of the human body. This is a delightful book for YAs who have a penchant for the extraordinary. It is full of colorful illustrations, posters, and billboards of yesteryear. Anne Johnson, formerly at St. John's School, Houston
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Beginning with a somewhat confusing title, this account by magician Jay of unusual entertainers from the 17th century to the present attempts a monumental task. In these pages are an assortment of spritualists, freaks, talking horses, mind readers, sword swallowers, and people who walk through fire. The author has a keen sense of humor about his subjects and is ambivalent in his attempt to separate fact from fiction. Clearly he finds much to admire in some of the lovable charlatans who have entertained audiences throughout the world. There are numerous original playbills, advertisements, drawings, and photographs interspersed throughout the text of this unique and colorful book. For larger collections. Preferred Choice Book Club alternate. Samuel Simons, Memorial Hall Lib., Andover, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women
Stock Image
Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women
Seller: Marbus Farm Books, Winchester, VA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Hardcover, no dust jacket. Light shelf wear to covers. Contents clean and tight. 340 pages, index, color and b&w photos and illus. Seller Inventory # 24822
Stock Image
Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women
Seller: Inquiring Minds, Saugerties, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Used - Good. Seller Inventory # 621838
Seller Image
Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women: Unique, Eccentric and Amazing Entertainers
Published by
Villard Books, New York, NY, 1986
ISBN 10: 0394537505
ISBN 13: 9780394537504
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Craig Olson Books, ABAA/ILAB, Islesboro, ME, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hard Cover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Third Printing. ix, 343 pp. 4to. Wear and scuffing to dust jacket, small tears and losses at head and tail of spine, now in mylar cover. Previous owner's name and note in ink on first free endpaper, clean within. Ricky Jay's second book after "Cards as Weapons". Seller Inventory # 18397
Stock Image
Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women
Seller: Rare Reads, Athens, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Second Printing. No dust jacket. Some white marks on cover. Removed library card on front panel; erase marks on front end page. Very Good + condition. Seller Inventory # rh11467
Stock Image
LEARNED PIGS & FIREPROOF WOMEN. [Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women; Unique, Eccentric and Amazing Entertainers: Stone Eaters, Mind Readers, Poison Resisters, Daredevils, Singing Mice, etc., etc., etc., etc.]
Published by
New York: Villard Books, 1986., 1986
ISBN 10: 0394537505
ISBN 13: 9780394537504
Used
Hardcover
Seller: David Hallinan, Bookseller, Columbus, MS, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Book club reprint. x, 342 pages. Hardcover: H 28.75cm x L 19.75cm. Dust jacket rubbed with slight soiling; nicks, bumping, and several tears at edges; no printed price on dj (trade editions did have one so thus the book club attribution); dj now presented in a mylar Brodart protector. Dark blue cloth spine; red boards lightly bumped at their fore-edge corners. Interior pages are clean. Binding is firm. A very good+ copy in a very good- dust jacket. Classic text on various 19th and 20th century entertainers, magicians, and tricksters by renowned sleight-of-hand expert, magician, and actor Ricky Jay. Please note that this large book has an approximate shipping weight of 3.5 pounds (1.58 kg) and may require additional postage for any postal class other than domestic Media Mail. ISBN 0394537505. Seller Inventory # Z626X-9786
Seller Image
Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women
Seller: ThriftBooksVintage, Tukwila, WA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. This could have light cosmetic flaws, but remains in good condition. Dust jacket condition is Good. Secure packaging for safe delivery. Seller Inventory # 1675124114
Stock Image
Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0394537505I5N00
Stock Image
Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0394537505I5N00
Seller Image
Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women
Seller: The Secret Book and Record Store, Dublin, DUB, Ireland
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Book is overall in good condition. Dust cover bears significant shelf wear, and is torn along top and bottom of front and back cover and spine. Book itself is in good condition, with foxing to front and back covers but internally unmarked. Seller Inventory # RIONA009
Buy Used
US$ 46.90
US$ 27.32 shipping
Ships from Ireland to U.S.A.
Ships from Ireland to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women
Published by
Villard Books, New York, 1987
ISBN 10: 0394537505
ISBN 13: 9780394537504
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Jeff Hirsch Books, ABAA, Wadsworth, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Dust Jacket Condition: dj. Second printing. 340 pages. Hardcover. The second book from actor and magician Ricky Jay. A look at the various odd and unique entertainers of days of yore. Illustrated throughout. A clean and tight very near fine copy in paper covered boards with a cloth spine in a near fine dust jacket with a few tiny edge tears and very minor wear. Seller Inventory # 191969