Pickled Punks & Girlie Shows: A Life Spent on the Midways of America
Just got my copy of Pickled Punks and Girlie Shows: A Life Spent on the Midways of America and despite the disclaimer that I wrote the intro, it's a wonderful, wonderful thing. The chapter on the Ice Man is worth the price of the book (yes, a big reveal). You miss this one at your peril, people. --James Taylor Author, "Shocked and Amazed! On and Off the Midway""Pickled Punks and Girlie Shows" will take you on a wonderfully curious trip down showman Rick West's memory lane a lane that couldn't be more off the beaten path. Recollections of his two-headed calf, the world's largest steer, the biggest pig ever exhibited, a "missing link" frozen in ice, and more are shared in such a personal way, that by the book's end, West has easily become your most interesting friend. --Marc Hartzman, author of "American Sideshow" (Penguin/Tarcher), AOL Weird News Contributor"Rick West s - Pickled Punks and Girlie Shows -A life Spent on the Midways of America is terrific. West's adventures as one of the premier exhibitors of freak animal shows on American midways are incredible. Besides the colorful stories there are plenty of photos in black and white and in color. Along Rick's journey you will meet carnival strippers, frozen creatures, giant alligators, gifted pitchmen, plus Rick s own giant horses, over size bovines, monster pigs, and pickled freaks. If you want an insider s take on the wacky world of sideshows - you got it here first class." --A. W. Stencell, Showman, Sideshow Historian, Author Circus and Carnival Ballyhoo: Sideshow Freaks, Jaggers, and Blade Box Queens