To the Hilt

""Finally! A complete and fun read about the most in-demand circus stunt known to man: sword swallowing. The authors not only live the life but hold a pure reverence for the history of this storied art form. 5 stars!"" —Jim Rose, Founder, Jim Rose Circus “What do you do when a doctor advises in the introduction, ‘In the event the only sentence you read is this one, I’d like to begin by saying do not flip through this book and try to swallow a sword’? The first thing you do is take his advice. The next thing you do is BUY THIS BOOK! It’s the golden age of sideshow publishing, and this one’s pure gold.” —James Taylor, publisher of James Taylor’s Shocked & Amazed! On and Off the Midway “The ancient art of sword swallowing is kept alive today by a handful of brave talented artists, each with a fascinating story. This book tells the incredible stories of these amazing performers, past and present, who risk their lives to amaze audiences. Check out their stories and see for yourself! It’s real! Believe it or not!” —Jim Gehrke, General Manager, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium ""Dan Meyer has something sticking in his craw. Much of the why of it is in this book."" —Marc Abrahams, Founder, Ig Nobel Prizes ""Sword swallowers have amazed audiences with Ripley's since the very first Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933. In 2008, the Sword Swallowers Association teamed up with Ripley’s to showcase the art on World Sword Swallower's Day at Ripley's museums worldwide. Over the years, Ripley’s has featured many of the artists in this book -- a unique book featuring the best of the best. Believe it or Not!"" —Tim O'Brien, Ripley's Ambassador of Odd​