Very Special People

They shipped the book in time. It was in great condition for a thirty year old book. Thanks again.

I bought my paperback in 1976 or thereabouts, and have re-read it several times over the years. I teach middle school science and believe several of the chapters would make appropriate reading for youngsters especially since they address the issue of being different and still finding happiness and success. I was a kid myself when I first read this. And it's still good reading even though I'm now in my 40s.

First reading this book in the '70s, this was my introduction to Joseph Merrick; the "Elephant Man". Giants and dwarfs, siamese twins and bearded women, some of the most unique group of individuals you'll ever read about. And what may be surprising to many, is the normal lives most of them led. Romance, marriage and children are the evidence for most. Wonderful biographies reveal the very human side of these "Very Special People". My favorites were those surrounding America's first great showman, P.T. Barnum. Especially Tom Thumb. A fascinating read.

For all its faults, "Very Special People" is still a very readable, personable book. Cloyingly sentimental, it still has its charming moments. Each section gives background on how being very tall, very short, very hairy, or otherwise possessed of an unusual body happens and what it tends to mean to the owner of said body. Drimmer then gives profiles of famous folks who shared that unusual trait. A good book for youngsters, but able to appeal to adults as well.

I found Very Special People when I was browsing through a book store.....I had to stop and pick it up to look at it. Low and behold one of my ancestors was listed in the book!!!!! What we knew about Matthew Buchinger, was that he was my Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great (yes 6 greats) Grandfather, was that he was born without arms, was an excellent draftsman, had a coat of arms, had a daughter named Anne ( who married John Poole), that he was called the 'little man without arms' and that he lived and in Ireland, and died in 1739. Very Special People has a picture of a drawing of Matthew Buchinger on the seventh page from the end of the picture section. It says the he was also legless! (he was called the little man!), married four times and that he had 11 children! I need to learn more about Matthew Buchinger! Where can I find more information? Please e-mail me If you know where or how I could search to locate more.