The book in it's slip case

The books tells three stories that are linked together - the 'freaks' are the miniature skull like vertebrae that are part of the Meleagris Triptych.

The book is a cross between a natural history museum, a freak show and a circus big top.

In his museum of 'strange and educational attractions', the famous showman (and scam artist), P.T. Barnum noticed that people were lingering too long at his exhibits. He posted signs indicating "This Way to the Egress" - not knowing that 'Egress' was another word for 'Exit', people followed the signs to what they assumed was a fascinating exhibit - and ended up outside....

The book open, front view

This part of the story tells of an expedition to Ethiopia by Professor Chambers, where they discover and bring back the skulls of strange creatures... 

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‘And so, this evening I present to you, for the very first time the unparalleled, the unexpected, the grotesquely beautiful, silent world of the Camelopardalis et al.’

The book open, back view

This tells the spine chilling story of what it is like living in the museum, as one of the exhibits.

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'Look with wonder, stare in amazement  - enter if you dare and witness this clandestine atmosphere for yourselves; let them tell you their stories. Let your mind run away with them. But be warned; don't let them run away with your mind...'

This part of the story is written in the triangles of the roof, it starts:

'Roll up, roll up  ladies and gentlemen

boys and girls - friends and foe

There are plenty of seats, come on in, don't be shy!

What will you see?'

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The story gets progressively darker, until you are lured in and become one of the freaks!