The liberty of Franz and the rebellion of Fuzzy Wuzzy -- The bite of a rattler and the sad fate of Big Pete -- The amorous baboon -- Feeding the serpents and a grand transformation -- The lioness skirt dance and the inconsiderate python -- The animal barometer and the eternal feminine -- Making a star lion and an interrupted temperance meeting -- Kalsomining an elephant -- The hypnotic bear and the sentimental lecturer -- The tragedy of the tigers and the power of hypnotism.
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"Side Show Studies" by Francis Metcalfe is a collection of entertaining anecdotes centered around the life of performers and their interactions with wild animals, written in the early 20th century. The narrative offers a glimpse into the peculiar and often risky world of sideshows, showcasing a variety of characters, including trainers, animal acts, and the special relationships they maintain with their charges. The book combines humor, excitement, and a bit of danger as it reflects on the dynamics of circus life and the captivating stories that emerge from this unique profession. The opening of the collection introduces readers to Madame Morelli, an animal trainer dealing with a surprisingly chaotic environment as she performs with wild cats. It quickly becomes apparent that the thrill of the show is underscored by the very real danger that both performers and animals face. After a jaguar named Franz escapes, the tension escalates, highlighting the perils of the circus life. The chapter blends humor with moments of genuine fear, effectively setting the tone for the entertaining tales that will follow, all of which explore various escapades, accidents, and the inherent unpredictability of sideshows and their performers. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 65.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
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