Actually, if he knows there might be a book, he’ll want in on it. Then when he finds out this book is not going to make any money, he’ll go, “forget it.” I know him. My best bet is to just tell him I think the photos are real cool (which I do), they’re not of any use to him (which they’re not), and can I have 'em? If he knows I want them for a possible book, he’s going to get the mistaken impression they’re worth something and will want them for our archives–where they’ll just sit in a filing cabinet for decades till someone throws them out.
I can’t contend with the fact; however, confusion over book titles probably isn’t good for sales. I hate it when that happens.
…the Aristocrats!
What an awesomely cool job!
Eve, this is your Density!
It’s not an either/or proposition. If you can get the photos, do an exhibit at a small place that exhibits work for free. Lots of bars, espcially in the East Villiage, do this. If you’re feeling motivated, hand out flyers or send out emails. Take some photos of people looking at the pics. Then, when you go to the publishers, you can say that this is a group of pictures which has been in a show in New York, with photos to prove it, and it gives the sense that there is already an audience for them. Also, if you ever get the book published, you can do another show as publicity.
mischievous
Not to mention, that with folks looking at them, someone is bound to be able to tell you who some of them were. Some elderly person will remember actually going to see some of these acts, I betcha! Now that would be good commentary!
According to this source, Eve’s Density is probably 61-67 pounds per cubic foot.
“This is the average density of a human body with breath exhaled (density drops to 56-62 lbs/cu foot if you inhale). Lower figures reflect relatively more body fat (which is lighter than bone and muscle).”
Eve,
I know you have plenty of connections, but here’s one more to consider. The Center For Documentary Studies ,affiliated with Duke University. They’re topnotch, and have guided/funded some interesting projects. I know they appreciate bringing “lost” photos to light. At the least, I’d think they could give you good direction, would appreciate your credentials, and at least offer good concurrent-with- the-book /ample press exhibit space.
It sounds juicy to me, a book I’d definately buy and enjoy. John Waters would write a wonderful intro, too! Go for the brass ring, Eve, you’re the gal to do this.
Well, I have my folder of Eve’s Freaks, 127 gorgeous, bizarre photos. I gotta wait till the boss gets back from vacation, settles down, and I complete this other project I’m on. So I probably won’t even be asking him about these photos (in a very offhand, “oh, by the way” manner) for about a month or so.
Someone at work suggested Chronicle Books, too, if Feral House isn’t interested.
There are also acrobats called The Three Melvins, and a singing group called The X Sisters. And a couple of hilarious Jewish-Great-Aunts-Waiting-to-Happen named Beta and Bella Kapple, singing their little hearts out.
Any photos of our personal favorite and/or his duck?
Sorry for the quick sidetrack, but I’m in San Jose and this restaurant sounds fascinating. Can you tell me which one it is and where I might find it? If it’s going away soon I’d like to see it before it’s gone.
But not good news, I’m afraid. I gave the bundle of photos to the company’s owner and he took them off to go over them with his wife, and I just got an e-mail: “We were not sure if we ever replied to your e-mail re the vaudeville shots. Sorry for the delay. At this point they are not available, but we will let you know.”
Damn.
Oh, well, it’s not the first book I’ve had blow up in my hands like a grenade and it won’t be the last.
I was with the Wisconsin Film Office at the time this book was made into a feature-length docudrama. The British production company cast entirely locally. Everybody had a jolly time playing their favorite pathologies: “I’m the woman who went around smashing windows.” “I burn my parents in the barn!” “My son’s going to be a dead boy in a coffin.”
Don’t give up.
The world wasn’t ready for this project at this time. When you least expect it, I bet these pictures will pop back into your lap with and " Have at it".
Chin up!
(How’s the cough?)
I have a book for you Eve, we need to get together sometime.
These two just sound silly.
I can’t even figure out what three nonchalants would do. What are the guys (they are guys, right?) dressed as?
Why do I get the feeling the two girls have rap sheets for solicitation? 
I’m betting they weren’t very witty.
Midgets? Gotta be midgets.
A very tall woman? Or what?
I’d buy it!
This really sounds like a fantastic project and I wish you whatever luck in having this work out, but when you mention buying the pictures as a part of your job, how much does someone expect to get of old pictures of people nobody knows? I really never heard of such a thing.