Description: Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women Title: Learned Pigs & Fireproof WomenAuthor: Ricky JayISBN: 978-0-374-52570-5Publisher: Villard Books; Farrar, Straus and GirouxPublication Date: 1986HardcoverBook Size: 7 3/4 X 11 1/4Pages: 343Edition: 1st Edition-2nd PrintingBook Condition: Excellent-Clean, tight pages-Red mark on top of pagesDust Jacket Condition: Very Good-Minor edge wear & small 1/4" tear on cover-top-Flyleaf clipped A cult classic and a work of remarkable scholarship, this title is an investigation into the inspired world of side shows, circuses, and singularly talented performers. Jay's unparalleled collection of books, posters, photographs, programs, broadsides, and data about unjustifiably forgotten entertainers all over the world made this unique book possible. Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women is a book written by stage magician, actor and writer Ricky Jay. Divided into numerous themed chapters, the book provides the bizarre histories of some of the world's most eccentric entertainers, ranging from mind readers and daredevils to animal handlers and stone eaters. Jay presents all of his subjects within their historical contexts and provides numerous illustrations and posters alongside his text. Some examples of the entertainers included in Jay's book: The learned pig of the title, a pig that could spell, calculate and read minds.Joseph Pujol, also known as Le Petomane, the master flatulist.Max Malini, the illusionist famous for his audacity and his tricks involving unsuspecting celebrities.Leon Rauch, also known as LaRoche, the Sisyphus of the circus world.Ivan Ivanitz Chabert, the "Human Salamander" and "Really Incombustible Phenomenon".First published in 1986 by Villard Books,[1] the book is currently out of print. ContentsIntroduction1. Harry Kahne: The Multiple Mental Marvel2. Procine Prophets and Pig-Faced Ladies3. Attenuation as Art: Willard, The Man Who Grows4. More Than the Sum of Their Parts: Matthew Buchinger, Sarah Biffin, and Other Anomalies of Nature...5. Blind Tom6. Max Malini: The Last of the Mountebanks7. Datas: The Man Who Knew Too Much8. Equine Amusements9. Genius or Charlatan? Walford Bodie, M.D.10. Born to a Drier Death Than Diving: Samuel Gilbert Scott and Other Daredevils11. A Few Words About Death and Show Biz: Washington Irving Bishop, J. Randall Brown, and the Origins of Modern Mind Reading12. Laroche: The Sisyphus of the Circus World13. Arthur Lloyd: The Humorous Card Index14. Enterology: Getting into Boxes, Bottles, and Trouble with Seamus Burke and Others15. Incombustible Men and Fireproof Women16. Stones, Swords, Snakes, and Other Entrees17. Le Petomane: The EndFor the CuriousAcknowledgmentsIndex ReviewsThe most satisfying array of oddities, marvels, and novelties that has been gathered together in a blue moon . . . well-written and exhaustively researched . . . it belongs within reach of anyone who wishes to rejoice over the strange quirks and glorious victories of our species. The folks who fill these pages are real, and they should invoke in us a deep sense of wonder.James Randi, The New York Times Book Review 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. It is full of colorful illustrations, posters, and billboards of yesteryear.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.Anne Johnson, formerly at St. John's School, Houston (CNN) -- "Stone Eaters, Mind Readers, Poison Resisters, Daredevils, Singing Mice, etc., etc., etc." That's what the book cover promises, and that's what Ricky Jay delivers in his paean to memorable and bizarre performers."Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women" is crammed to overflowing with tales of talented animals and unique people. Not only are pigs learned, so are horses, and it's not just the ladies who can brave the flames. Many of the characters are fascinating. Some are just plain weird. And in the end, you'll find out where Mel Brooks got the name for Governor Lepetomane in "Blazing Saddles."Jay is an amazing performer in his own right. He is a master at manipulating playing cards. He has appeared in TV specials performing with "His 52 Assistants," and hosting specials on the history of legerdemain. He is obviously enthralled with the subjects of his book -- Unthan, the Pedal Paganini; Fred Rithlow, the horseback riding escape artist; Philion, who would climb inside a sphere 28-inches in diameter and roll it up a 50-foot spiral ramp six inches wide. Jay's enthusiasm is infectious.Copiously illustrated with period etchings and photographs, "Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women" also includes reproductions of more than a dozen colorful posters and playbills for the men, women and livestock whose stories he tells.Review by L.D. Meagher Please examine the photos of this book. I have included photos of the index. I have also included photos of especially colorful, interesting or autographed pages. I will be happy to answer any specific question, just send me an Email! Listing info courtesy of: Magicref ATTENTION: A large part of the value of magic tricks and magic books is the SECRET!! As such, there are NO REFUNDS on magic tricks or books (unless I make a mistake, something is not as advertised, etc.)! I will try to be very detailed & accurate in my descriptions & also try to include the approximate skill level to assist in your decision, but I will not tell you how the trick is done! If you have any questions, please send me an Email BEFORE bidding!
Price: 79.95 USD
Location: Rancho Cordova, California
End Time: 2024-08-30T21:53:16.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5.95 USD
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