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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
To the Hilt by Dan Meyer and Marc Hartzman is a deep dive into the dangerous and fascinating world of sword swallowing. The book covers the lives and careers of iconic performers, including Dan Meyer himself, who became a leading figure in the field, setting records and even winning an Ig Nobel Prize. The history of sword swallowing is provided, starting with early pioneers like Ramo Samee, who introduced the art to Europe in the 1800s, and Marie DeVere, a celebrated performer in the early 20th century. Through stories of daredevil acts, injuries, and triumphs, Meyer and Hartzman introduce readers to the careers of Edna Price and Michael Costello, who pushed the boundaries of the craft, among so many others, mixing historical context with Meyer's own experiences to celebrate the art and its performers.
Going into To the Hilt by Dan Meyer and Marc Hartzman, sword swallowing was so far off my radar as a reader that I imagined it almost exclusively as a thing of the past—and even then as an optical illusion. This is why I was drawn to reading this book. 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. The most interesting parts to me were those of Meyer's life and the technical aspects of the craft, the risks, sacrifices, and physical endurance required to master such a perilous art. With strong writing and Meyer’s extensive knowledge of sword swallowing, bolstered by his personal collection of artifacts and visuals, this tribute to the performers is both informative and thrilling for anyone interested in the world of extreme performance art. Very highly recommended.
