Carny Sideshows: Weird Wonders of the Midway

by Tony Gangi

Gangi's guide to the art of the sideshow delves into the world of current sideshow performers, showcasing entertainers who, through vigorous learning and practice, have acquired and mastered amazing skills.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806531347
• ISBN13: 9780806531342
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: Citadel Press
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

THE REAL STUFF ABOUT THE REAL MODERN SIDESHOW

I am impressed. I speak as an author and podcaster on modern-day sideshow arts (...), Tony Gangi is the real thing, and the real behind-the-scenes secrets are here (carefully avoiding the overawed but superficial layman's perspective). Gangi is a good author and he's written a book that is not just engaging, but insightful - no matter how experienced you already are, you'll learn some new things here. The 12 chapters alternate between Gangi's personal stories about the skills he learned at Coney Island Sideshow School, and chapters on the people who represent the best of New Sideshow: Todd Robbins, Harley Newman, Tyler Fyre and Thrill Kill Jill, Ward Hall, most of the 999 Eyes performers, Penn Jillette, Danny Borneo, Swami Yohmami, Gwyd and Sylver Fyre, Brett Loudermilk, and many others. And these are my favorite kind of interviews, presenting these characters as a meeting of colleagues. Gangi has better interview skills than I do, he draws out personal insights and thoughtful reflections on sideshow arts, particularly some thoughts on sideshow ballys as handed-down folk traditions from Penn. This one isn't just a book for sticking on your sideshow shelf to say you've got it, it will repay more than one careful read.