An encyclopedia is a
written compendium of knowledge. The term comes from the
Greek (enkuklios paideia), literally "in a circle of
instruction", and more generally connoting "a well-rounded
education". Wikipeda
Marc Hartzman in his book
American Sideshow has given us a written compendium of
knowledge, a well-rounded education and a circle of
introductions to some of the most amazing people that ever
lived.
He introduces us to the many
personalities that traveled America to bring excitement and
relief from the day to day routines of the masses.
He reminds us that the sideshow
was the entertainment of the common man, as it traveled the
roads, and rails of America it brought with it the Strange
and Unusual, the Fantastic and Amazing, the Exotic and the
Beautiful. Amazing sights that most of America had never imagined,
let alone had the opportunity to see or to experience.
On its pages and between its
covers, like under the many tops that graced the midways of
America, it gives us insight into what most of us will never
see, it provides us with a look into a strange world that we
can neither be a part of or completely understand. After we leave it, we go back to the
comfort of our lives, but it has given us a common
experience, it repulsed us, it shocked us, it
entertained us, it amused us, it amazed us, and most of all it has led us into an unfamiliar place,
a place of discomfort where our minds contemplate the things we have seen and fear
that they may be a reflection of who we are.
American Sideshow lets us see
the people that lived and loved the show, that they are
really not much different than ourselves. It teaches us
that every human being in spite of their challenges are more
alike than different. We learn that the spirit wants to be
recognized and respected, loved and to love.
So Step Right this way, the
show’s about to begin, it’s all Alive on the Inside of the
American
Sideshow.
John Robinson
Sideshow World
Preserving the Past...Promoting the Future of Sideshow
www.sideshowworld.com
