circus performers

The early days of the circus were some crazy times. As the science and medical worlds were still developing, there were many mysterious conditions that people utilized for profit. But it wasn't just physical conditions that people put on for display.

Ella Harper bravely turned her unique legs into a moneymaker—but life continued to serve up horrible sorrows until she finally met her tragic end.

Ella Harper bravely turned her unique legs into a moneymaker—but life continued to serve up horrible sorrows until she finally met her tragic end.

Despite being small in stature, Lavinia Warren was huge in stardom. From her humble beginnings as a school teacher to her worldwide fame as one-half of a petite power couple, Warren did it all.

Zazel discovered that becoming the first human cannonball and a circus superstar came with a high price. Because once you go up, the only place to go is down.

The tiny acrobat Lillian Leitzel was the biggest star—and diva—of the biggest circus. But the higher the Queen of the Air rose, the harder she fell.