People who are visually different have always been subject to attention. In different eras these individuals were labelled as monsters, freaks and human oddities. It is human nature to speculate and obsess about those born ‘different’ and it is also in our nature to feel disquieted by their appearance. Freaks have always been studied, documented and displayed because, as members of the majority, we have ...
As far as human curiosities go, The Living Skeleton was always a classic attraction. Living Skeletons, sometimes referred to as ‘shadows’ in the exhibition business, were generally adult men afflicted with some sort of consumption disease and their emaciated presence was practically a standard in every circus, exhibition or sideshow for over 100 years. That precedent and astounding ...
Unlike many of her bearded lady contemporaries - the Baroness Sidonia de Barcsy was a genuine member of a royal family. Sidonia was born whisker-free on May 1, 1866 in Hungary. She remained sans mane until shortly after she gave birth to her son at the ...
Most marvels are simply born unique. Other marvels are self-made via years of perseverance, dedication and training. Some are created via events of misfortune and Sam Alexander turned his misfortune into a lucrative career as a unique attraction few would ever forget. Sam Alexander was born a relatively average man. In his early 20’s he was ...
The earliest written account of actual conjoined twins dates from 945, when conjoined twin brothers from Armenia were brought to Constantinople for exhibition. They were reported to be well formed and healthy but were banished from the court until the reign of Constantine VII. One took sick and died. Surgeons, attempting the first separation in recorded history failed ...
