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.
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.
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Seller: ThriftBooksVintage, Tukwila, WA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. Dust Jacket Condition: Fair. Scuffing to cover boards. This book is in acceptable condition and is a reading copy. Dust jacket condition is Acceptable. Secure packaging for safe delivery. Seller Inventory # 1265193857
Seller: Marbus Farm Books, Winchester, VA, U.S.A.
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
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0394537505I5N00
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0394537505I5N00
Seller: ThriftBooksVintage, Tukwila, WA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Dust jacket has minor edgewear and tearing. Boards have notable smudging and scuffing. Some interior pages have slight creasing but text and images are clean and unmarked. This could have light cosmetic flaws, but remains in good condition. Dust jacket condition is Good. Secure packaging for safe delivery. Seller Inventory # 1658887660
Seller: Inquiring Minds, Saugerties, NY, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Used - Good. Seller Inventory # 621838
Seller: Craig Olson Books, ABAA/ILAB, Islesboro, ME, U.S.A.
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
Seller: Rare Reads, Athens, GA, U.S.A.
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
Seller: ThriftBooksVintage, Tukwila, WA, U.S.A.
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
Seller: Jeff Hirsch Books, ABAA, Wadsworth, IL, U.S.A.
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