Readers of Little Lord Oscar Dandelion (International Jewel – and Sandwich Filling – Thief) will notice his deploying of biological warfare. Fleas. Only called upon during times of crisis.
“Where did you find them?” Oscar asked Florence.
“On the streets and back alleys of the under belly of Paris.” Florence said, unable to suppress the grin aka Cheshire Cat style.
“They wouldn’t stop fighting. The shouting, the fist fights. It got raucous.”
Well, Oscar did have a little trouble with the itchy ones.
Here’s an interesting piece from the BBC on the origins of the Flea Circus.
1945: Professor Ruhl’s fleas pulling a miniature roller and cannon, a flea hanging from a hook and a flea-powered carousel. The fleas are stored in the jar on the left
Why fleas?
Fleas were not known for possessing any particular dramatic flair. They were simply, well, everywhere.
Little Lord Oscar Dandelion Books 