I am working on a chapter about the European roots of the practice of
displaying for money people with visible physical, human differences. I
have found one foot note account of a mother who sold her daughter who
experienced several disabilities to a traveling band of merchants in
central Europe in the mid-14th century. I have also read a vague
statement to the effect that the elements of the modern circus were all
present at Renaissance fairs including what came to be called sideshows
or "freak shows". If anyone can point me to historical references on
this topic, I would be very grateful.
George Singer
Professor, Special Education
University of California, Santa Barbara
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