in The History of Clowns

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 clown’s 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)

 

 

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©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