Cutting Up Touches

Cutting Up Touches is the first book ever written on the history of exhibition pickpocketing. In it, David Avadon traces this light-fingered entertainment from its murky music hall beginnings to the largest showrooms in the world. He profiles Giovanni and Borra, the architects of stealing on stage. He spotlights Dominique and Ricki Dunn, who made emptying pockets hilarious nightclub entertainment. He explains the stealth and showmanship of a wide array of wallet snatchers. He explores the powerful subliminal emotions touched by each act of pocket thievery. And he shares the fascinating lore surrounding this street crime turned performance art.

Illustrated with photos, playbills and posters, many published here for the first time. Hardbound, 150 pages.