John Woolf Boeken

Black Victorians shows how Black lives were visible, present and influential - not temporary presences but established and rooted; and how paradox and ambivalence characterised the Victorian view of race.

Focusing on the extraordinary lives of "freak" performers, this book uncovers how their unique talents and charisma shaped cultural history. Through meticulous research, it highlights the significance of these individuals, often marginalized, in defining an era. The narrative promises to engage readers with its lively writing style, offering a fresh perspective on a fascinating subject.

The untold story of the Victorian freak show and circus, and the remarkable cast of characters who performed in them. The book will chart some of the great transformations of the age: the birth of celebrity, of showbusiness, of advertising, of `alternative facts'.