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Step Right Up!
"I probably never would have become America's leading fire-eater if Flamo the Great hadn't happened to explode that night in front of Krinko's Great Combined Side Shows."
A true story of carnival life, in which the author learns the tricks of the trade, meets some wonderful people (and some crooks) and lives an odd and interesting life.
A true story of carnival life, in which the author learns the tricks of the trade, meets some wonderful people (and some crooks) and lives an odd and interesting life.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1950
About the author
Daniel P. Mannix
44 books66 followersDaniel Pratt Mannix IV was best known as an American author and journalist. His life was remarkably different from other writers of his generation. His career included times as a side show performer, magician, trainer of eagles and film maker.
The Grest Zadma was a stage name Mannix used as a magician. He also entertained as a sword swallower and fire eater in a traveling carnival sideshow. Magazine articles about these experiences, co-written with his wife, became very popular in 1944 and 1945.
As an author Mannix covered a wide variety of subject matter. His more than 25 books ranged from fictional animal stories for children, the natural history of animals, and adventurous accounts about hunting big game to sensational adult non-fiction topics such as a biography of the occultist Aleister Crowley, sympathetic accounts of carnival performers and sideshow freaks, and works describing, among other things, the Hellfire Club, the Atlantic slave trade, the history of torture, and the Roman games. His output of essays and articles was extensive.
The Grest Zadma was a stage name Mannix used as a magician. He also entertained as a sword swallower and fire eater in a traveling carnival sideshow. Magazine articles about these experiences, co-written with his wife, became very popular in 1944 and 1945.
As an author Mannix covered a wide variety of subject matter. His more than 25 books ranged from fictional animal stories for children, the natural history of animals, and adventurous accounts about hunting big game to sensational adult non-fiction topics such as a biography of the occultist Aleister Crowley, sympathetic accounts of carnival performers and sideshow freaks, and works describing, among other things, the Hellfire Club, the Atlantic slave trade, the history of torture, and the Roman games. His output of essays and articles was extensive.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 21, 2020
I had the most difficult time putting this book down each night. I was watching an interview with Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller), and Penn said that this book was the catalyst for his life as a magician and it intrigued me enough to buy a copy.
The book was written in 1950, and so reflects the mores and attitudes toward women of the time. So feminists (such as myself) need to be prepared to take that into account and read the book aware of the time and place in order to fully enjoy it. It is also not a book for the squeamish, as it tell exactly how carny "tricks" are done and some will be rather gruesome for those with delicate tastes.
That said, this is an absolutely fascinating true life tale of the author's time with the carny during it's last days of glory. In the foreword, Mannix says that aside from condensing the events of three summers into one, that everything is written as it happened, and I believe him. They are all here, the hoochy coochy girls, sword swallowers, palm readers, mentalists, and freaks. And the author writes of them with both respect and honesty.
I was a child in the 1960's; old enough to ride the rides, but too young to tour the "Ten-in-One". By the time I was old enough, political correctness had driven its denizens from the vacant lots and byways of this country. Now I have been given a glimpse more intimate than if I had been one of the people looking in from outside. This is a true insider's view, and it is utterly captivating.
This is a very good read, indeed.
The book was written in 1950, and so reflects the mores and attitudes toward women of the time. So feminists (such as myself) need to be prepared to take that into account and read the book aware of the time and place in order to fully enjoy it. It is also not a book for the squeamish, as it tell exactly how carny "tricks" are done and some will be rather gruesome for those with delicate tastes.
That said, this is an absolutely fascinating true life tale of the author's time with the carny during it's last days of glory. In the foreword, Mannix says that aside from condensing the events of three summers into one, that everything is written as it happened, and I believe him. They are all here, the hoochy coochy girls, sword swallowers, palm readers, mentalists, and freaks. And the author writes of them with both respect and honesty.
I was a child in the 1960's; old enough to ride the rides, but too young to tour the "Ten-in-One". By the time I was old enough, political correctness had driven its denizens from the vacant lots and byways of this country. Now I have been given a glimpse more intimate than if I had been one of the people looking in from outside. This is a true insider's view, and it is utterly captivating.
This is a very good read, indeed.
October 13, 2014
I completely disagree with Rick West about Mannix' "lame" writing style; I feel he has an extraordinary gift for saying a lot in a few words, with phrases that sneak up and punch you in the gut just when you've moved on to the next paragraph. I think Mannis is a splendid writer with an understated yet powerful style. I confess, though, that I'm basing that on my recollection of all the books I've read by him, not specifically _Step Right Up_. I'm a big fan of all his work I've read, _The Killers_ being my favorite.
October 2, 2009
I picked this up at the Salvation Army in Buffalo. It's certainly dated, but does have some laugh-out-loud lines. If you've any interest in the old-fashioned carny life and are willing to overlook the politically incorrect tone of a book written in the late forties, this is worth a read. Some of the sword and neon-tube swallowing stories are positively harrowing, as are the fire-eating. That's a stiff learning curve.
February 27, 2013
I found this at a local junk shop and as soon as I read the intro and the first couple of pages I was interested. Even now after I've finished reading it I'm not quite sure what to make of Step Right Up. I'm not quite sure if I'm supposed to be laughing, feel scandalized, or take it seriously. Mostly I found myself laughing - there are a few real gems and it definitely shows its age! Dan sure faced a steep learning curb what with all that fire-eating and sword swallowing!
August 19, 2018
Are We All Freaks?
In Step Right Up!, Dan Mannix has written a fascinating memoir chronicling his season as a carny in the late 1940s. This was when carnivals were traveling shows, described by Mannix as "a collection of small concessions each operating independently but moving around the country together for the sake of convenience." The carnival consisted of a midway, rides, and various shows and concessions such as a Minstrel Show, Girl Show, Waxwork Exhibit, Wild Animal Exhibit, and Crazy House. Of course, there were food concessions and the games of chance. Most shows were under tents (tops), as were many living quarters. Although circus-like, the carnival was different in that a circus was a single organization and a bit more reserved in the choices of entertainment. Carnivals, for example, would often offer nudity in the various Girl, Model or Posing shows, and the carnival exhibited more extreme freaks and sideshow acts.
Mannix joined the Ten-in-One top where there were a number of sideshow acts and freaks. There was a fat lady, a tattooed man, a mentalist, magician, palm reader, sword swallower, fire eater, and the Human Pincushion. The Pincushion performed a variety of torture acts, including sewing buttons to his eyelids, sticking hatpins through his cheeks, driving nails into his eyes, lying on a bed of nails, walking up a ladder of sharp swords, dancing on broken glass, and pouring molten lead into his eyes and ears. All but the last feat was real, but the molten lead act was grifted (faked). There was also a Human Ostrich who would eat and regurgitate various items - razor blades, light bulbs, keys, and even live rats and frogs.
Mannix, who had already graduated college and aspired to be a writer, joined the carnival after he saw Flamo, the sword swallower blow up. Mannix volunteered to learn the trade and after mastering the fire-eating act, went on to learn sword swallowing, and later escapism and some mentalism. He traveled with the carnival for one season and introduces the reader to various characters, many of whom we come to know quite intimately.
Toward the end is an interesting conversation with the fat lady explaining that everyone involved with the carnival is a freak - some by choice, some not. This philosophical view says much as Mannix certainly portrays the carnival world as a microcosm. Mannix, although he actually seems to enjoy the carny life, decides not to pursue a second season. Instead, he agreed to write a series of articles about carnival life for Collier's magazine, which apparently led to this book. I am so glad he made that choice.
In Step Right Up!, Dan Mannix has written a fascinating memoir chronicling his season as a carny in the late 1940s. This was when carnivals were traveling shows, described by Mannix as "a collection of small concessions each operating independently but moving around the country together for the sake of convenience." The carnival consisted of a midway, rides, and various shows and concessions such as a Minstrel Show, Girl Show, Waxwork Exhibit, Wild Animal Exhibit, and Crazy House. Of course, there were food concessions and the games of chance. Most shows were under tents (tops), as were many living quarters. Although circus-like, the carnival was different in that a circus was a single organization and a bit more reserved in the choices of entertainment. Carnivals, for example, would often offer nudity in the various Girl, Model or Posing shows, and the carnival exhibited more extreme freaks and sideshow acts.
Mannix joined the Ten-in-One top where there were a number of sideshow acts and freaks. There was a fat lady, a tattooed man, a mentalist, magician, palm reader, sword swallower, fire eater, and the Human Pincushion. The Pincushion performed a variety of torture acts, including sewing buttons to his eyelids, sticking hatpins through his cheeks, driving nails into his eyes, lying on a bed of nails, walking up a ladder of sharp swords, dancing on broken glass, and pouring molten lead into his eyes and ears. All but the last feat was real, but the molten lead act was grifted (faked). There was also a Human Ostrich who would eat and regurgitate various items - razor blades, light bulbs, keys, and even live rats and frogs.
Mannix, who had already graduated college and aspired to be a writer, joined the carnival after he saw Flamo, the sword swallower blow up. Mannix volunteered to learn the trade and after mastering the fire-eating act, went on to learn sword swallowing, and later escapism and some mentalism. He traveled with the carnival for one season and introduces the reader to various characters, many of whom we come to know quite intimately.
Toward the end is an interesting conversation with the fat lady explaining that everyone involved with the carnival is a freak - some by choice, some not. This philosophical view says much as Mannix certainly portrays the carnival world as a microcosm. Mannix, although he actually seems to enjoy the carny life, decides not to pursue a second season. Instead, he agreed to write a series of articles about carnival life for Collier's magazine, which apparently led to this book. I am so glad he made that choice.
December 21, 2020
I think that I was around ten years old when I read this book about working in a carnival. I remember some of the material about fire eating and sword swallowing, in which Mannix explains that these are not magicians' illusions but are real - and really dangerous. He explains how to do them; I have never tried out his instructions.
I don't remember the rest of the book in detail, just that it was perfect for a ten year old boy, and would probably be entertaining for adults as well.
I don't remember the rest of the book in detail, just that it was perfect for a ten year old boy, and would probably be entertaining for adults as well.
November 14, 2019
A beautiful look back in time.
January 4, 2026
fun to read an account of carny life in the 40's. I liked hearing about how the carnys related to the public, the polics, and eachother. seems like a life and a world entirely removed from our own
July 16, 2015
This is a carnival fan's classic read (written in 1950), an autobiographical "tell all" in which the author details one summer he spent as a young man working at a carnival. He learns how to be a fire-eater and dabbles in many of the other usual "old time" carnival activities: mentalist acts, sword swallowing, telling fortunes, running rigged games, etc. It's an entertaining book in several ways: the author reveals some of the best tricks, cheats, and classic subterfuges that were commonly employed in sideshows and carnivals in the first half of the 20th century, he teaches us carny lingo, and he offers a relatively unbiased glimpse into American entertainment in a much simpler age. Yes, it's hard to believe that people were once so gullible and easily led, but some of these tricks are timeless -- they fooled spectators in ancient Rome and they undoubtedly still fool people today. It was also interesting to learn which acts were genuine and done without any sleight of hand or other trickery. If you wish you could go back in time and visit the carnival, this book's for you.
January 25, 2016
If you're looking for A good account of life on the road in an American traveling Carny the middle of last century, this is it. Sure, the writing is just average but compared to other first person reports of carnival life this book reads like a gold metal winner. Daniel Mannix, the author, wrote many books and articles throughout his life. These tales span the three years he spent with the Carny as a young man, before he actively pursued a career as a freelance writer. Mannix tells of his education in the sideshow, learning to eat fire, swallow swords and be a mentalist. But most impressive about this book is that Mannix reveals how many acts are accomplished. Eating fire? It's right here. Climbing a ladder with rungs made of swords, read all the details. How the fakir swallows ribbon, makes an incision in his abdomen, and withdraws the ribbon, read it here and give it a try! An enjoyable light read.
June 17, 2013
I absolutely loved this book.
It sells the carnival life to you so well, you almost want to pack a suit case and join the next one coming to town.
It also has the only technique in print that I've found on how to swallow swords. (If there is any out there, I would love to find them)
If you like the romance of running away and joining the circus, then this book is a must read.
It sells the carnival life to you so well, you almost want to pack a suit case and join the next one coming to town.
It also has the only technique in print that I've found on how to swallow swords. (If there is any out there, I would love to find them)
If you like the romance of running away and joining the circus, then this book is a must read.
May 4, 2009
A few interesting tales, some incorrect lingo usage, the
writing style is rather lame for the most part. I would
only recommend it to a few diehard sideshow fans with the
understand it's only an OK read.
June 22, 2015
It is really something to think how someone could just make that kind of decision in their life. Mr. Mannix was someone who stepped right into a world he had only read about and became one its stars overnight. This could be made into a good movie with the right people behind it.
April 30, 2011
i really enjoyed this book about the real life story of a fellow who joined a carnival as a fire eater. It was written in the 1940s and it shows a lot of the times in the book
Read
May 30, 2022Excellent book written by an actual Carnival worker and performer. The author tells about his odd jobs and the skills required for becoming a Carnival star.
October 19, 2017
I stumbled across a copy of this in the Virginian Hotel, Medicine Bow WY. Dan Mannix is a name I hadn't thought of in forty years. He was a freelancer of no fixed profession with independent means, wrote inter alia articles for Life and National Geographic about training and collecting animals for zoos. My brother and I were both going to be wildlife biologists when we grew up and read everything we could find by him, though Gerald Durrell was our real hero. Even as boys we could tell that the floating world of Mr Mannix required inherited wealth or some similar good fortune that we did not expect.
After the first few chapters read before bed, in this room,
I was enjoying it so much that I went looking on Abebooks for a cheap copy, found a first edition slightly foxed for $5 shipped. He really was an excellent writer, entertaining, clear and sympathetic. Fine journalism about the midway which gave me a new perspective on all those Tom Waits songs and Ray Bradbury stories (Illustrated Man). I wanted to know what did happen to the girl Billie from the burlesque show, poor creature, but that is lost knowledge now.
After the first few chapters read before bed, in this room,
I was enjoying it so much that I went looking on Abebooks for a cheap copy, found a first edition slightly foxed for $5 shipped. He really was an excellent writer, entertaining, clear and sympathetic. Fine journalism about the midway which gave me a new perspective on all those Tom Waits songs and Ray Bradbury stories (Illustrated Man). I wanted to know what did happen to the girl Billie from the burlesque show, poor creature, but that is lost knowledge now.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews