"Secrets of the Sideshows is an engaging exploration of the history and marvels of the midway. From the tricks of ancient Egyptian magicians to the wonders of London's eighteenth-century Bartholomew Fair to the golden age of P.T. Barnum's sideshows, Nickell reveals the structure of the shows, specific methods behind the performances, and showmen's tactics for recruiting performers and attracting crowds. He also discusses the behind-the-scenes secrets of sideshow life, including details of the personal lives of those men and women billed as freaks." "Joe Nickell - once a carnival pitchman, then a magician, private detective, and investigative writer - has pursued sideshow secrets for years and has worked the famous carnival midway at the Canadian National Exhibition. For this book, he interviewed showmen and performers, collected carnival memorabilia, researched published accounts of sideshows and their lore, and even performed some classic sideshow feats, such as eating fire and lying on a bed of nails as a cinderblock was broken on his chest. The result of these varied efforts, Secrets of the Sideshows tells the captivating story of the magic, tricks - real or illusory - and performers of the world's midway shows."--Jacket.