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Shocked and Amazed
A few weeks ago I was at a party with James Taylor, the founder of the series of books Shocked and Amazed. James has been involved with the sideshow for many, many years and as one of the world foremost experts is filled with information about everything from gaff to performers.
We talked for hours about the sideshow. It was great fun and I'm filled with ideas and excitement for making new and unusual stuff. He has been encouraging to me every step of the way and I am very grateful. James has a enormous collection of sideshow history that was once in his dime museum in Baltimore. It now resides in The Palace near Washington D.C. If you're in that area be sure to stop by and maybe you'll catch one of the shows while you're there.
He is the founder of the Shocked and Amazed series of books. They are wonderful reading. The stories are bits of American history. Great pictures, beautiful art work. Some by artists such as Mark Frierson, world famous sideshow poster and gaff artist. This is a perfect series for anyone interested in the sideshow, the circus, fairs, magic, tattoos, theater, art, performers, oddities, etc. etc. The sideshow is a very important part of American history and the Shocked & Amazed series is helping to keep alive the art and performances of this very unique group of people. Hurray!!! It looks at the past, present and future. The stories, by a wide range of authors, are very well written & interesting to read. The old photos are a blast. The words of many of the performers are inspirational. Thanks to creator James Taylor and all involved. Keep up the good work. You can visit the Shocked and Amazed web site at www.shockedandamazed.com or you can buy them on Amazon.