Cirrus@Austlit

'Conjoined twins have long been a source of fascination, if not the subjects of disturbing scrutiny. Perhaps the most famous were Chang and Eng Bunker, who were brought from Thailand – hence “Siamese twins” – to America to be exhibited and, despite their experience of racism, later became wealthy slave owners in the antebellum south. More recently, Abby and Brittany Hensel, American sisters conjoined at the torso, have been the subject of extensive media coverage, including a reality TV show.' (Introduction)