Includes bibliographical references (p. 179-191) and index.
Contents:
The origins of the dime museum, 1782-1840 -- Barnum and the museum revolution, 1841-1870 -- The peak years : from the Civil War to 1900 -- Freaks and platform performers -- Lecture room entertainments -- Waxworks and film -- The dime museum reconfigured for a new century.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.