History of American Freaks

Tonight, we take another look at the fascination history behind Sideshows and their world famous performers for which the likes may never be seen again. Author Marc Hartzman has written a beautiful book detailing the history of more than 200 of these performers along with their breathtaking pictures. Get his book American Sideshow on Amazon.

A fascinating look into the history of the American sideshow and its performers. Learn what's real, what's fake, and what's just downright bizarre.

You've probably heard of Tom Thumb. The Elephant Man. Perhaps even Chang and Eng, the original Siamese twins. But what about Eli Bowen, the legless acrobat? Or Prince Randian, the human torso? These were just a few of the many stars that shone during the heyday of the American sideshow, from 1840 to 1950. American Sideshow chronicles the lives of truly amazing performers, examining these brave and extraordinary curiosities not just as sideshow performers but as people, delving into the lives they led and the ways they were able to triumph over and even benefit from their abnormalities.

American Sideshow discusses the rise and fall of the original sideshows and their subsequent replacement by today's self-made freaks. With the progress of modern medicine, technological advancements, and the wonderful world of body modification, abnormalities are being overcome, treated and even prevented: Siamese twins can now be separated, and in addition to this, tongues can be forked, horns surgically implanted, and earlobes removed. There are also, of course, modern-day giants, fire eaters, sword swallowers, glass eaters, human blockheads, and oh, so much more. 

These fascinating personalities are celebrated through intimate biographies paired with stunning photographs. Approximately two hundred performers from the past one hundred and sixty years are featured, giving readers a comprehensive and sometimes astonishing look into the history of the American sideshow

ATTENTION: 2023 - SEASON: 8

We have a new feed for 2023 so to ensure you get new releases please make certain that you follow or subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app.

Show Us Some Love! Copy and Paste our link in a text message to a friend or family member: https://www.mysteriousradio.com

Follow us on Instagram @mysteriousradio

Follow us on TikTok mysteriousradioTikTok

Follow us on Twitter @mysteriousradio

Follow us on Pinterest pinterest.com/mysteriousradio

Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/mysteriousradio

Want All Paranormal Episodes? Follow Our Podcast Paranormal Fears!

Follow Paranormal Fears on Apple Podcasts

Follow Paranormal Fears on Spotify

Follow Paranormal Fears on Google

Follow Paranormal Fears on Amazon

Follow Paranormal Fears on Podcast Addict

Follow Paranormal Fears on TuneIn Radio

or in your favorite podcast app!