Handia (2017). Life of an acromegalic in XIX century

Abstract

The life story of one of the most famous giants of the 19th century is narrated: Miguel Joaquín Eleizegui Ateaga (1818-1861), born in a village near Tolosa; Altzo, in the province of Guipúzcoa. His older brother Martin, sees an opportunity to earn money with the public exhibition of Joaquin and the film describes the sufferings and joys that this decision will bring. This article also reviews the situation of acromegaly and gigantism in the nineteenth century, “freaks” public exhibition and the most famous "giants" in Spain in the second half of this century.

Keywords

• acromegalia
• gigantismo
• siglo xix
• freak shows