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To The Hilt:
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To The Hilt:
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To the Hilt offers a riveting exploration into the mysterious and dangerous world of sword swallowing, charting its history from ancient rituals to modern-day performances. This comprehensive work, cowritten by world-renowned sword swallower Dan Meyer and celebrated sideshow historian Marc Hartzman, delves into the lives and careers of over 100 sword swallowers over 200 years. Packed with rare photographs and ephemera, fascinating anecdotes, and expert insights, this book is the definitive guide to an art form that has both captivated and terrified audiences for centuries.
Meyer and Hartzman bring their extensive expertise to the table, creating a work that is both informative and enthralling. Meyer, with his numerous world records, vast experience, and over 27 years of research, provides an insider's perspective that is unmatched. Hartzman adds depth with his historical knowledge and engaging writing style, making this book a must-read for anyone intrigued by the bizarre and the daring.
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Key Features:
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To the Hilt is not just a book; it's a journey into a world where danger and artistry intersect. Perfect for sideshow enthusiasts, history buffs, or those simply seeking a road map for pushing human capability to its limits in any domain, this book will leave readers both enlightened and amazed.
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What others have said:
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"Finally! A complete and fun read about the most in-demand circus stunt known to man: sword swallowing. |
"Like a 20-inch steel blade down Dan Meyer's throat, this book goes down the hatch without a scratch. One man's journey, as a 40-year-old novice to become the world's greatest sword swallower is the launching point |
"Sword swallowing has long captivated audiences as a thrilling and dangerous art form in circus and carnival sideshows. This book delves into the rich history of sword swallowers -- celebrating their courage, skill, and the legacy they've carved into the culture of the sideshow. A long-awaited and much-needed addition to the canon of sideshow history! This work shines a spotlight on this often overlooked, but mesmerizing craft." |
"Sword swallowers have amazed and entertained audiences with Ripley's since the very first Ripley's Believe it or Not! at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. In 2008, the Sword Swallowers Association teamed up with Ripley's to showcase World Sword Swallower's Day at Ripley's worldwide. Over the years, Ripley's has featured many of the artists in this unique book on its stage. It's a unique book featuring the BEST of the BEST. Believe it or Not!" |
"Dan Meyer has something sticking in his craw. |
"Dan, you are certifiably nuts, |
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'In the event the only sentence you read is this one, do NOT flip through this book and try to swallow a sword!'? The first thing you do is take his advice. The next thing is BUY THIS BOOK! It's the golden age of sideshow publishing, and this one's pure gold!" --James Taylor, Editor, Shocked and Amazed |
This book tells the incredible stories of these brave performers who risk their lives to amaze audiences. It's REAL! Believe it or not!" --Jim Gehrke, Ripley's Believe It or Not! |
"To the Hilt by Dan Meyer and Marc Hartzman is a deep dive into the dangerous and fascinating world of sword swallowing. The book covers the lives and careers of iconic performers, including Meyer himself, who became a leading figure in the field, setting records and even winning an Ig Nobel Prize.
The history of sword swallowing is described, starting with early pioneers like Ramo Samee, who introduced the art to Europe in the 1800s, and Marie DeVere, a celebrated performer in the early 20th century. Through stories of daredevil acts, injuries, and triumphs, Meyer and Hartzman introduce readers to the careers of Edna Price and Michael Costello, who pushed the boundaries of the craft, among so many others, mixing historical context with Meyer's own experiences to celebrate the art and its performers.
Going into To the Hilt, sword swallowing was so far off my radar as a reader that I imagined it almost exclusively as a thing of the past - and even then as an optical illusion. This is why I was drawn to reading this book. The authors do an incredible job of showing us the history and artistry of sword swallowing and make clear that it is a very real art that is still in practice today. The most interesting parts to me were those of Meyer's life and the technical aspects of the craft, the risks, sacrifices, and physical endurance required to master such a perilous art.
With strong writing and Meyer's extensive knowledge of sword swallowing, bolstered by his personal collection of artifacts and visuals, this tribute to the performers is both informative and thrilling for anyone interested in the world of extreme performance art. Very highly recommended!" |
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