Memoirs of a Sword Swallower

While in the process of moving house I've been digging through the book collection in recent weeks.  I came across this absolute gem that I'd forgotten about - 'Memoirs of a Sword Swallower'. First published in the 1950s this book takes a look at the alternative society that formed around the outcasts and freaks who went on the road with the carny. Daniel Mannix accounts his time as first a Fire Eater and then a Sword Swallower. The book includes a great number of photographs from his collection and includes some fantastic anecdotes and tales from his experiences as The Great Zadma.  Sailor Jerry tats, side-show iconography all seem to be a staple amongst the inked crowd in recent years but probably most have little clue about the tattooed "freaks" and outcasts that provided a staple of entertainment for many.

 

Pharrel: Places And Spaces I've Been

I'm looking forward to this book.
Release date, October 16th.

Loving bntl like a fat kid loves cake.

Naughty Little People Postcards

Check out these cool postcards of miniature scenes in which naughty little people engage in surprising, funny, titillating or simply obscene behaviour, this book gives readers a humorous look beneath the veneer of polite society.

Artists Vincent Bousserez, Jonah Samson, Lisa Swerling and the Rainbowmonkey make stunning use of miniature scenes to create startling situations and amusing, memorable images. The pictures play with the notions of surprise and hidden drama, inviting the viewer to take a peek into the darkly funny depths of human behaviour – from the silly and the crude to the disturbing and the mysterious.

All the post cards are available in a book over (here)

Loving bntl like a fat kid loves cake.

Paris versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities

The folks over at Penguin never miss a trick. French designer Vahram Muratyan who started this series of illustrations in 2010, comparing the two cities Paris and New York has had his illustrations published in a full length book. Perfect for that future coffee table.
Available over (here) in English and (here) in (french)

Loving bntl like a fat kid loves cake.