A biography of William "Doc" Key, a former slave and self-trained veterinarian who taught his horse, Jim, to read, write, and do math, and who helped teach the world to treat animals kindly

Here is the fascinating though ofttimes shady history of the medicine show, an American show-business institution that dispensed hoopla and nostrums to a credulous clientele. When medicine shows died out, the nation lost one of its most rollicking entertainments.

Describes all aspects of the circus and the evolution of every act from its beginnings to today's performances. With more than 300 photographs.

Nostalgia vies with rollicking good fun in these anecdote-studded memoirs of legendary horror director William Castle. Remember the Lloyds of London life insurance policy that protected moviegoers if they were frightened to death by "Macabre"? Or the theatre seats that buzzed when "The Tingler" came on screen...and refunds for cowards who could not face the last terrifying minutes of "Homicidal"?

Explore the naive art of late 19th and early 20th century shooting gallery targets, whole galleries, and arcade forms. Commonly seen on early midways and carnivals, as well as in saloons and other public places of amusement, here, in a presentation of compelling color photographs, are the rarest and most aesthetically pleasing decorative targets and arcade forms known. The progression from the world of shooting gallery and arcade forms, as well as painted American fixtures and accessories, to contemporary art and sculpture has been a natural evolution. Also featured are examples of other amusement attractions to which the visitor to the carnival, circus, or midway would have been exposed. A few European forms are included to illustrate the difference between them and American forms.

A thorough survey of the origins and development of the major distinct American commercial entertainments that emerged between over the course of the 19th century and into the 20th, including P.T. Barnum_s American Museum, freak show, and circus, as well as blackface minstrelry, Buffalo Bill_s Wild West Show, and vaudeville.

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING TRAVEL MEMOIR What happens when an unadventurous adventure writer tries to re-create the original expedition to Machu Picchu? In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artifacts and credit for finding the great archeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth—except he’d written about adventure far more than he’d actually lived it. In fact, he’d never even slept in a tent. Turn Right at Machu Picchu is Adams’ fascinating and funny account of his journey through some of the world’s most majestic, historic, and remote landscapes guided only by a hard-as-nails Australian survivalist and one nagging question: Just what was Machu Picchu?

This memoir of life as a committed pedestrian in a beautiful Southern city explores the many joys and benefits of walking as a way of life. Raised on the notion that driving is the essence of freedom, many of us still cling to the belief that the American Dream is defined by a house in the suburbs and a car in the garage. But in Why I Walk, Kevin Klinkenberg shares a very different dream life—and a very different kind of freedom. A few years ago, Kevin moved to Savannah, Georgia, from Kansas City, Missouri. In large part, he chose his new home because he was seeking a truly walkable place to live. Going beyond the typical arguments against suburbia, he shows how walking on a daily basis has improved his health, finances, social life, and sense of personal freedom. By focusing directly on the real, measurable advantages of choosing to be a pedestrian, Why I Walk makes a convincing case for ending our love affair with the automobile—and rekindling the romance of walking.

Daniel P. Mannix's father and grandfather were distinguished navel officers who expected Daniel to keep up the family tradition. Daniel tried, he really did, but when all those attempting to mold him into a respectable cadet eventually gave up, well, what else can a navel academy flunkie do — TA DA! Join a carnival, of course. Inspired by the perseverance, bold imagination, and showmanship of the performers, Daniel was soon eating flaming torches, swallowing swords and neon lights, walking on knives, assisting as a mentalist, and writing stories about all he experienced. From the pen of a man who lived the life and loved and respected carnival folk, Step Right Up! will take the reader on a comprehensive and highly entertaining excursion into the vanishing world of sideshow performers. Fire-eating and sword swallowing are not tricks, ladies and gentlemen. Allow the talented Daniel P Mannix to explain!