"Showbiz originates in demonstrations of [shamanic] spirit-power which give a teaching about the supernatural, an instruction in the art of transformation from sickness into health." This bk is amazing.

https://openlibrary.org/books/OL2945158M/The_death_and_resurrection_show

This book is sadly unobtainable. I have a copy that a generous internet person scanned for me years ago...

@JulianHCope has praised and referenced this book for decades, and with good reason.

I may have a PDF. Will look on 'puter if/when power comes back on.
#desertlife

Found it. Email me at [email protected] if you want a copy. Or (maybe better) tell me where to upload it to.

I am now set up to WeTransfer this to people who need it.

"It is only when there is a permanent breakdown in the ecstatic unity between performer and onlooker, that what we call 'showbusiness' comings into being.

"In certain contexts, it might be true to say that the audience only comes into existence when it stops taking the same drugs as the performers."

From page 55

This book gives and gives. Just stunning.

A reader talks about one aspect of the bk on this thread. https://twitter.com/dschorno/status/1234947345579573248