Freaks: We Who Are Not As Others

Mr. Mannix establishes himself in the first four or five pages an unapologetic reporter of inaccuracies (e.g. when he uses Helen Keller as an example of a 'freak', stating that she was born a blind, deaf mute... She was, in fact, born normal, and suffered these impairments as a result of a nearly lethal fever in infancy), and the publisher seems to have only given the text the most cursory of proofreadings (one 'freak', a midget, is referred to as having been the State Treasurer of "taxes" (he was the State Treasurer of TEXAS).

Am I picking nits? Absolutely. However, when I purchase a book I tend to expect something with a little more polish and depth than a high school research paper. Otherwise, for sheer annecdotal value, Mr. Mannix's book is an intresting and at times touching read. I would reccomend it to anyone for the pictures, and only the the exceedingly patient for the text.


A tender look at sideshow attractions   June 14, 2002
C. Gilbert (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)
32 out of 33 found this review helpful

It is easy to assume that this book is going to be a kind of titillating exploitative look at freaks, but that is not what it is at all. Mannix draws from his extensive carnie experience to create a tender and even sweet look at people who were not like others around them. Mannix is clearly fueled by anger that political correctness has deprived these people of their means of earning a living and forced them into institutions. It is a way of thinking that I had not encountered before this book. He covers giants, midgets, people with parasitic twins, hermaphrodites, fat people, wild people and many others-- telling stories and anecdotes of his time on the road. Well worth the time.


Step Right Up!   August 3, 2001
Ann marie Houghtailing (Chula Vista, Ca United States)
24 out of 24 found this review helpful

Daniel Mannix introduces us into the world of "Freaks" and the history of sideshows. His adoration and interst in the subject matter is not a critical analysis, but rather a tender overview based on personal interactions. Freaks: We who are not as Others, is really like a scrapbook of photos and reflections. There are some rudimentary insights about the nature of freakdom, but this is not an academic document. Mannix clearly holds a bias in favour of freak shows and this can be interesting to consider in a time when we are overwhelmed by political correctness.

Some of the photos in the book are startling and disturbing, but the text is very accessible and easy to read, not unlike a journal. The book is a good choice for those wanting an introduction into the world of Freaks, or just a little trivia about some of the actors from the Wizard of Oz.

The nature of the material can be sad at times but Mannix maintains a very optimistic tone. His style is very casual and conversational.

I recommend taking a look at this book for the historical content, personal experience and general curiousity. This may be one of the few times in your life you will be allowed to gawk unabashedly at that which you have been trained to turn away from. Step Right Up, Ladies and Gentlemen!


Is it worth it?   June 9, 2000
15 out of 19 found this review helpful

This book contains some great photos of freaks but the writing is definitely not what I expected. It is mostly accounts of freaks who served in courts as jesters and other jobs. Yet, all the photos are of sideshow freaks from the late 1800's and early 1900's. I had assumed that the writing would be about the performers shown but most were not even mentioned. All in all, I did not like the way that the book was put together and wish I had not spent the money on it. For some though, the photos are worth the price of the book.


The most comprehensive study of freaks I have ever read.   November 25, 1998
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

We who are not as others: A book about "freaks" written by a freak, is obviously a labor of love by the author. Daniel P. Mannix presents a well-researched study of the physically challenged, not only in our time, but throughout history. He presents human oddities, not as something to gawk at and scare little children, but as warm, loving and feeling people with dreams and aspirations the same as everyone. He presents his own kind with hopes that the reader will understand: these people are not as others, yet very much the same. Modern day "freak shows" are mostly made up of people who want to be freaks and make a buck, but the people in this book are the real thing and had no choice. Read this book with an open mind and an open heart. It can change your outlook on life.