Robert Bogdan

This book is a pretty academic treatment for the history of freak shows in circuses, carnivals, and other venues. Much of the information concerns categories of “curiosities” as well as telling the story of several individual performers. I might have been expecting a slightly more sensational account of the freak culture, but that was my mistake. Bogdan handles the subject with the dignity and respect it deserves.

A fascinating, respectful look at the history of freak shows, and probably the best book on the subject I have yet to come across. It's also one of the best books I've ever read for a sociology class, and I've re-read it several times for fun.