To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing (Schiffer Books)

Co-written with Dan Meyer. An authoritative compendium on sword swallowing, featuring historical biographies, expert insights, rare photos, and behind-the-scenes stories from modern sword swallowers.

Hardcover, 8.5” x 11”. February 28, 2025.

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To the Hilt offers a riveting exploration into the mysterious and dangerous world of sword swallowing, charting its history from ancient rituals to modern-day performances. This comprehensive volume, cowritten by world-renowned sword swallower Dan Meyer and celebrated sideshow historian Marc Hartzman, delves into the lives and careers of over 100 sword swallowers. Packed with rare photographs, fascinating anecdotes, and expert insights, this book is the definitive guide to an art form that has both captivated and terrified audiences for centuries.

Meyer and Hartzman bring their extensive expertise to the table, creating a work that is both informative and enthralling. Meyer, with his numerous world records and vast experience, provides an insider’s perspective that is unmatched. Hartzman adds depth with his historical knowledge and engaging writing style, making this book a must-read for anyone intrigued by the bizarre and the daring.

Key Features:

  • Definitive Compendium of Historical Biographies: Highlights the captivating lives of historical sword swallowers from the 1700s to the present, many of whom have never been profiled in other books.

  • Behind the Scenes with Modern Performers: Provides an inside look at the wild stories and experiences of modern sword swallowers, who account for one out of every 300 million people alive today.

  • Expert Perspectives: Readers will learn from Dan Meyer, the world’s leading expert on sword swallowing and viral TEDx presenter, as he shares his unique life experiences and relatable life lessons in his introductory essay.

  • Rare Imagery: Contains a treasure trove of rare photographs and ephemera that bring the history of sword swallowing to life.

  • Medical Insights: Outlines the medical risks and implications of sword swallowing through a doctor’s essay included in the book, which serves both as a warning and an elucidation of the phenomenon.

To the Hilt is not just a book; it's a journey into a world where danger and artistry intersect. Perfect for sideshow enthusiasts, history buffs, or those simply seeking a road map for pushing human capability to its limits in any domain, this book will leave readers both enlightened and amazed.

What People Are Saying

  • "Finally! A complete and fun read about the most in-demand circus stunt known to man: sword swallowing. The authors not only live the life but hold a pure reverence for the history of this storied art form. 5 stars!"

    Jim Rose, Founder, Jim Rose Circus

  • “What do you do when a doctor advises in the introduction, ‘In the event the only sentence you read is this one, I’d like to begin by saying do not flip through this book and try to swallow a sword’? The first thing you do is take his advice. The next thing you do is BUY THIS BOOK! It’s the golden age of sideshow publishing, and this one’s pure gold.”

    James Taylor, publisher of James Taylor’s Shocked & Amazed! On and Off the Midway

  • “Like a 20-inch steel blade down Dan Meyer’s throat, this book goes down the hatch without a scratch. One man’s journey, as a 40-year-old novice, to become the world’s greatest sword swallower is the launching point to explore an ancient, global phenomenon. My old friend and colleague Marc Hartzman is getting weirder and weirder and weirder, and I mean that as the highest form of praise.”

    Buck Wolf, Director and Managing Editor, HuffPost Trends, NYC

  • "Sword swallowing has long captivated audiences as a thrilling and dangerous art form in circus and carnival sideshows. This book delves into the rich history of sword swallowers — celebrating their courage, skill, and the legacy they've carved into the culture of the sideshow. A long-awaited and much-needed addition to the canon of sideshow history! This work shines a spotlight on this often overlooked but mesmerizing craft."

    Tommy Breen. Sword Swallower and owner of the World of Wonders sideshow

  • "Sword swallowers have amazed audiences with Ripley's since the very first Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933. In 2008, the Sword Swallowers Association teamed up with Ripley’s to showcase the art on World Sword Swallower's Day at Ripley's museums worldwide. Over the years, Ripley’s has featured many of the artists in this book -- a unique book featuring the best of the best. Believe it or Not!"

    Tim O'Brien, Ripley's Ambassador of Odd

  • “The ancient art of sword swallowing is kept alive today by a handful of brave talented artists, each with a fascinating story. This book tells the incredible stories of these amazing performers, past and present, who risk their lives to amaze audiences. Check out their stories and see for yourself! It’s real! Believe it or not!”

    Jim Gehrke, General Manager, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium 

  • "The authors do an incredible job of showing us the history and artistry of sword swallowing and making clear that it is a very real art and is still in practice today."

    Jamie Michele, Readers' Favorite

Step right up and listen.

Hear about To The Hilt, including sword swallowing’s history in medicine and a preview of steel gulpers Estelline Pike and Moses Berg.

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