The Banana Man makes a surprise
appearance in the fascinating book, The History of Clowns
for Beginners by Joe Lee. In what is a highly
autobiographical preface to the rich and graphically
splendid history of clowns, tricksters, jesters, fools and
other comic prototypes we encounter Mr. Lee's memory of his
first encounter with the Banana Man's act. As is typical of
many memories which have not been reconfirmed by concrete
reality over the years, it has distortions and additions of
details which were never a part of his act. It IS
interesting how the memory and imagination magnify things,
creating a composite of various memories and thoughts that
often transecends the truth. The charming addition of the
animal productions is likely, Mr. Lee tells me, from
memories of another clowns performance blended with
the Banana Man. Mr Lee has generously allowed for the
reprinting on this page of the entire preface to his
book.
The History of Clowns for Beginners
by Joe Lee
Writers & Readers Publishing, Inc
P.O. Box 461, Village Station
New York, NY 10014
ISBN #0-86316-199-5
(Available at AMAZON.COM)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
©2001 Rhett Bryson
If you have ANY Banana Man stories, material or information,
Please eMail Rhett
Bryson (rhett.bryson@furman.edu)
Last Updated 05/20/2002