Extraordinary Exhibitions:
The Wonderful Remains of an Enormous Head,
The Whimsiphusicon & Death to the Savage Unitarians
by Ricky Jay

An informal look at sensational, scientific, satisfying, silly and startling attractions based on 17th, 18th and 19th century playbills from the collection of Ricky Jay. It is the contention of Mr. Jay that neither the tongue of the most florid orator, or pen of the most ingenious writer can sufficiently describe the elegance, symmetry, and prodigious accomplishments of those who are featured in this sumptuous volume. Included are broadsides advertising: an armless dulcimer player, a ghost showman, a singing mouse, a chess playing automaton, a cannon ball juggler, an African hermaphrodite, a chicken incubating machine, a rabbi with prodigious memory, a ventriloquist, a spirit medium, a glass blower, a woman magician, a speaking machine, a mermaid, a bullet catcher, a flea circus, & an equestrian bee keeper.

Pre-publication offer: until the book's official publication in June, this book may be purchased only at this site!

Quantuck Lane Press, 2005, hardcover, 167 pages, lavishly illustrated. 10 1/2" by 13 1/2".