Snake Oil, Hustlers and Hambones

Discover the captivating world of 19th-century American entertainment in Snake Oil, Hustlers and Hambones by Ann Anderson. Published by McFarland & Co Inc in 2004, this enlightening study spans 200 pages, diving into the intriguing intersection of show business, advertising, and the emerging field of medicine.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of medicine shows, where the allure of Wild West performances, pie-eating contests, clowns, and exotic menageries came together to create a unique cultural phenomenon. Anderson expertly captures how these colorful spectacles not only entertained audiences but also served as a means of marketing alternative medicine and folk remedies.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of American entertainment and medicine, providing rich insights into a bygone era that shaped contemporary perspectives on health and marketing.