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The Circus Age

Culture and Society under the American Big Top

by Janet M. Davis ...

A century ago, daily life ground to a halt when the circus rolled into town. Across America, banks closed, schools canceled classes, farmers left their fields, and factories shut down so that everyone could go to the show. In this entertaining and provocative book, Janet Davis links the flowering of the early-twentieth-century American railroad circus to such broader historical developments as the ... Read more

$28.49 USD

A century ago, daily life ground to a halt when the circus rolled into town. Across America, banks closed, schools canceled classes, farmers left their fields, and factories shut down so that everyone could go to the show. In this entertaining and provocative book, Janet Davis links the flowering of the early-twentieth-century American railroad circus to such broader historical developments as the
... Read more
Monty Python Speaks

The Complete Oral History of Monty Python, as Told by the Founding Members and a Few of Their Many Friends and Collaborators

by David Morgan ...

With a Foreword by John Oliver, host of Last Week TonightIn celebration of the 50th anniversary of its BBC debut, a revised and updated edition of the complete oral history of Monty Python—an insightful, in-depth portrait of the brilliant and hysterically funny show that transformed modern comedy.Broadcast by the BBC between 1969 and 1974, Monty Python’s Flying Circus introduced something ... Read more

$12.99 USD

With a Foreword by John Oliver, host of Last Week TonightIn celebration of the 50th anniversary of its BBC debut, a revised and updated edition of the complete oral history of Monty Python—an insightful, in-depth portrait of the brilliant and hysterically funny show that transformed modern comedy.Broadcast by the BBC between 1969 and 1974, Monty Python’s Flying Circus introduced something
... Read more
Juggling: What It Is and How to Do It

by Thom Wall ...

Juggling: What It Is and How to Do It is the result of six years of work by former Cirque du Soleil juggler Thom Wall. This book teaches learners of all ages how to juggle – one of the world's oldest artforms. With a kind demeanor, humor, and enthusiasm, Wall explains the process of juggling through four different modalities, bolstered by the latest physical education research.The practice of ... Read more

$9.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

Juggling: What It Is and How to Do It is the result of six years of work by former Cirque du Soleil juggler Thom Wall. This book teaches learners of all ages how to juggle – one of the world's oldest artforms. With a kind demeanor, humor, and enthusiasm, Wall explains the process of juggling through four different modalities, bolstered by the latest physical education research.The practice of
... Read more
American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals

Hitchhiking From California to New York, Alaska to Mexico

by Michael Sean Comerford ...

You'll never see your state fair or neighborhood festival the same again!American Oz is a rollicking, gritty, adventurous story of life in the secretive subculture of traveling carnivals.Comerford writes a bold, inspiring true story of a year working behind the scenes with the colorful characters and legends of carnivals.He shares stories of freaks, a carnival pimp, a tramp gold miner, and the ... Read more

$9.99 USD

You'll never see your state fair or neighborhood festival the same again!American Oz is a rollicking, gritty, adventurous story of life in the secretive subculture of traveling carnivals.Comerford writes a bold, inspiring true story of a year working behind the scenes with the colorful characters and legends of carnivals.He shares stories of freaks, a carnival pimp, a tramp gold miner, and the
... Read more
Battle for the Big Top

P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, John Ringling, and the Death-Defying Saga of the American Circus

by Les Standiford ...

“Les Standiford takes us under the big top and behind the curtain in this richly researched and thoroughly engaging narrative that captures all of the entrepreneurial intrigue and spirit of the American circus.” —Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Devil in the GroveMillions have sat under the “big top,” watching as trapeze artists glide and clowns entertain, but few know the ... Read more

$12.99 USD

“Les Standiford takes us under the big top and behind the curtain in this richly researched and thoroughly engaging narrative that captures all of the entrepreneurial intrigue and spirit of the American circus.” —Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Devil in the GroveMillions have sat under the “big top,” watching as trapeze artists glide and clowns entertain, but few know the
... Read more
The Circus Fire

A True Story of an American Tragedy

by Stewart O'Nan ...

The acclaimed author of Emily, Alone and Henry, Himself brings all his narrative gifts to bear on this gripping account of tragedy and heroism—the great Hartford circus fire of 1944.It was a midsummer afternoon, halfway through a Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus performance, when the big top caught fire. The tent had been waterproofed with a mixture of paraffin and gasoline; in seconds ... Read more

$9.99 USD

The acclaimed author of Emily, Alone and Henry, Himself brings all his narrative gifts to bear on this gripping account of tragedy and heroism—the great Hartford circus fire of 1944.It was a midsummer afternoon, halfway through a Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus performance, when the big top caught fire. The tent had been waterproofed with a mixture of paraffin and gasoline; in seconds
... Read more
Freak Show

Presenting Human Oddities for Amusement and Profit

by Robert Bogdan ...

This cultural history of the travelling freak show in America chronicles the rise and fall of the industry as attitudes about disability evolved.From 1840 until 1940, hundreds of freak shows crisscrossed the United States, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, exhibiting their casts of dwarfs, giants, Siamese twins, bearded ladies, savages, snake charmers, fire eaters, and other oddities. ... Read more

$14.39 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

This cultural history of the travelling freak show in America chronicles the rise and fall of the industry as attitudes about disability evolved.From 1840 until 1940, hundreds of freak shows crisscrossed the United States, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, exhibiting their casts of dwarfs, giants, Siamese twins, bearded ladies, savages, snake charmers, fire eaters, and other oddities.
... Read more
Nobody's Fool

The Life and Times of Schlitzie the Pinhead

by Bill Griffith ...

A graphic biography of the real-life sideshow performer who inspired Zippy the Pinhead: "An uplifting, wonderfully humane book." — The New York TimesFrom Coney Island and the Ringling Bros. Circus to small-town carnivals and big-city sideshows, Nobody's Fool follows the long, legendary career of Schlitzie, today best known for his appearance in the cult classic film Freaks, the making of which is ... Read more

$9.89 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

A graphic biography of the real-life sideshow performer who inspired Zippy the Pinhead: "An uplifting, wonderfully humane book." — The New York TimesFrom Coney Island and the Ringling Bros. Circus to small-town carnivals and big-city sideshows, Nobody's Fool follows the long, legendary career of Schlitzie, today best known for his appearance in the cult classic film Freaks, the making of which is
... Read more
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts

An Illustrated Guide to Strength, Flexibility, Training, and Injury Prevention

by Emily Scherb ...

An illustrated guide to anatomy and biomechanics for aerialists who want to optimize their performance and train safelySpecifically designed for aerialists—including those who do trapeze, silks, and other aerial arts— Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts is an invaluable resource for those who want to optimize their performance and train safely.Using a biomechanical and movement-based approach, Emily ... Read more

$12.99 USD

An illustrated guide to anatomy and biomechanics for aerialists who want to optimize their performance and train safelySpecifically designed for aerialists—including those who do trapeze, silks, and other aerial arts— Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts is an invaluable resource for those who want to optimize their performance and train safely.Using a biomechanical and movement-based approach, Emily
... Read more
Under the Big Top

A Season with the Circus

by Bruce Feiler ...

$9.99 USD
Beneath the Big Top

A Social History of the Circus in Britain

by Steve Ward ...

"A valuable and illuminating read, shedding a lot of light on the political, economic and technological factors that have driven circus evolution" ( The Circus Diaries).Beneath the Big Top is a social history of the circus, from its ancient roots to the rise of the "modern" tented travelling shows. A performer and founder of a circus group, Steve Ward draws on eyewitness accounts and contemporary ... Read more

$12.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

"A valuable and illuminating read, shedding a lot of light on the political, economic and technological factors that have driven circus evolution" ( The Circus Diaries).Beneath the Big Top is a social history of the circus, from its ancient roots to the rise of the "modern" tented travelling shows. A performer and founder of a circus group, Steve Ward draws on eyewitness accounts and contemporary
... Read more
The Ordinary Acrobat

A Journey into the Wondrous World of the Circus, Past and Present

by Duncan Wall ...

The extraordinary story of a young man’s plunge into the unique and wonderful world of the circus—taking readers deep into circus history and its renaissance as a contemporary art form, and behind the (tented) walls of France’s most prestigious circus school.When Duncan Wall visited his first nouveau cirque as a college student in Paris, everything about it—the monochromatic costumes, the acrobat ... Read more

$4.99 USD

The extraordinary story of a young man’s plunge into the unique and wonderful world of the circus—taking readers deep into circus history and its renaissance as a contemporary art form, and behind the (tented) walls of France’s most prestigious circus school.When Duncan Wall visited his first nouveau cirque as a college student in Paris, everything about it—the monochromatic costumes, the acrobat
... Read more
Juggling Fire in The Jungle - My Journey of Thirty Years in a Sustainable Community Experiment

by Graham Ellis ...

"To live cohesively is almost a fantasy and we ought to know it starts with humbling our egos."NAHKO BEAR, Medicine for the PeopleThis book chronicles the first thirty years of Bellyacres: an unintentional community of bohemian jugglers who homestead a remote jungle oasis on the Big Island of Hawai'i.The author was the founder of Bellyacres, the Village Green Society, Hawaii's Volcano Circus and ... Read more

$12.00 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

"To live cohesively is almost a fantasy and we ought to know it starts with humbling our egos."NAHKO BEAR, Medicine for the PeopleThis book chronicles the first thirty years of Bellyacres: an unintentional community of bohemian jugglers who homestead a remote jungle oasis on the Big Island of Hawai'i.The author was the founder of Bellyacres, the Village Green Society, Hawaii's Volcano Circus and
... Read more
The Trouble With Tigers

A gripping and sweeping tale of unforgettable adventures and unforgiveable secrets

by Roxane Dhand ...

'A highly accomplished novel, peopled by complex characters, most of whom are hiding secrets about themselves' Jasmina Svenne, Historical Novel Society'This is a story with all the engaging elements of suspense and romance' FIVE STARSThis compulsive tale is rich in atmosphere and page-turning intrigue' FIVE STARS'The story is engaging from the start with enough twists and turn... ... Read more

$2.99 USD

'A highly accomplished novel, peopled by complex characters, most of whom are hiding secrets about themselves' Jasmina Svenne, Historical Novel Society'This is a story with all the engaging elements of suspense and romance' FIVE STARSThis compulsive tale is rich in atmosphere and page-turning intrigue' FIVE STARS'The story is engaging from the start with enough twists and turn...
... Read more
Facing Fear

Step Out in Faith and Rise Above What's Holding You Back

by Nik Wallenda ...

A practical guide to overcoming fear from the daredevil who has walked on a tightrope across Times Square and the Grand Canyon.Nik Wallenda is a seventh-generation member of the Flying Wallendas, a circus family known for performing dangerous feats without safety nets. Nik is known for his daring televised tightrope walks over Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Times Square, and an active volcano ... Read more

$5.99 USD

A practical guide to overcoming fear from the daredevil who has walked on a tightrope across Times Square and the Grand Canyon.Nik Wallenda is a seventh-generation member of the Flying Wallendas, a circus family known for performing dangerous feats without safety nets. Nik is known for his daring televised tightrope walks over Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Times Square, and an active volcano
... Read more
The Life of P.T. Barnum

by P. T. Barnum ...

Series series Collins Classics
HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics.Meet the greatest entertainer of the 19th Century…In 1834, desperate to create a better life for his family, small-time Connecticut businessman P. T. Barnum moved to New York City. With true entrepreneurial spirit and against all odds, he wowed audiences with his ensemble of musical spectacles, attractions and variety shows ... Read more

$2.99 USD

HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics.Meet the greatest entertainer of the 19th Century…In 1834, desperate to create a better life for his family, small-time Connecticut businessman P. T. Barnum moved to New York City. With true entrepreneurial spirit and against all odds, he wowed audiences with his ensemble of musical spectacles, attractions and variety shows
... Read more
Flying, Falling, Catching

An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom

by Henri J. M. Nouwen, Carolyn Whitney-Brown ...

“Flying, Falling, Catching is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that despite all the perils and sufferings that surround us, with which we often collide, we can find healing, peace, and awe even in the most unusual detours that life offers. A must read.” — Marina Nemat, Author of international best-seller Prisoner of Tehran"In Carolyn Whitney-Brown's deft hands, Henri’s intentions literally, vividly ... Read more

$8.49 USD

“Flying, Falling, Catching is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that despite all the perils and sufferings that surround us, with which we often collide, we can find healing, peace, and awe even in the most unusual detours that life offers. A must read.” — Marina Nemat, Author of international best-seller Prisoner of Tehran"In Carolyn Whitney-Brown's deft hands, Henri’s intentions literally, vividly
... Read more
American Sideshow

by Marc Hartzman ...

A fascinating look into the history of the American sideshow and its performers. Learn what's real, what's fake, and what's just downright bizarre.You've probably heard of Tom Thumb. The Elephant Man. Perhaps even Chang and Eng, the original Siamese twins. But what about Eli Bowen, the legless acrobat? Or Prince Randian, the human torso? These were just a few of the many stars that shone during ... Read more

$7.99 USD

A fascinating look into the history of the American sideshow and its performers. Learn what's real, what's fake, and what's just downright bizarre.You've probably heard of Tom Thumb. The Elephant Man. Perhaps even Chang and Eng, the original Siamese twins. But what about Eli Bowen, the legless acrobat? Or Prince Randian, the human torso? These were just a few of the many stars that shone during
... Read more
The Wonders

by John Woolf ...

On March 23, 1844, General Tom Thumb, just 25 inches tall, entered the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace and bowed low to Queen Victoria. On both sides of the Atlantic, this meeting marked a tipping point in the nineteenth century, and the age of the freak was born.Bewitching all levels of society, it was a world of curiosities and astonishing spectacle—of dwarfs, giants, bearded ladies, ... Read more

$18.99 USD

On March 23, 1844, General Tom Thumb, just 25 inches tall, entered the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace and bowed low to Queen Victoria. On both sides of the Atlantic, this meeting marked a tipping point in the nineteenth century, and the age of the freak was born.Bewitching all levels of society, it was a world of curiosities and astonishing spectacle—of dwarfs, giants, bearded ladies,
... Read more
Jumbo

The Unauthorised Biography of a Victorian Sensation

by John Sutherland ...

Born in 1861 in French Sudan, imported to Paris as a two year old calf, then later sold to the London Zoo at Regent's Park, Jumbo the elephant delighted countless children (including Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt) with rides and treats gently taken from outstretched hands. Each night, after the children and their families had gone home, he was mistreated in an attempt to keep him docile ... Read more

$11.19 USD

Born in 1861 in French Sudan, imported to Paris as a two year old calf, then later sold to the London Zoo at Regent's Park, Jumbo the elephant delighted countless children (including Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt) with rides and treats gently taken from outstretched hands. Each night, after the children and their families had gone home, he was mistreated in an attempt to keep him docile
... Read more
A Girl and Five Brave Horses

by Sonora Carver ...

A Girl and Five Brave Horses is the story of Sonora Carver and was the basis for the movie Wild Hearts Can't be Broken. Carver answered the following want ad: Wanted: Attractive young woman who can swim and dive. Likes horses, desires to travel. See Dr. W. F. Carver, Savannah Hotel. From there she became the first woman to jump from forty and sixty feet into a pool of water with diving horses. ... Read more

$1.99 USD

A Girl and Five Brave Horses is the story of Sonora Carver and was the basis for the movie Wild Hearts Can't be Broken. Carver answered the following want ad: Wanted: Attractive young woman who can swim and dive. Likes horses, desires to travel. See Dr. W. F. Carver, Savannah Hotel. From there she became the first woman to jump from forty and sixty feet into a pool of water with diving horses.
... Read more
A Girl and Five Brave Horses

by Sonora Carver ...

Sonora Carver was an American entertainer, most notable as one of the first female horse divers. Carver answered an ad placed by "Doc" William Frank Carver in 1923 for a diving girl and soon earned a place in circus history. Her job was to mount a running horse as it reached the top of a forty-foot (sometimes sixty-foot) tower and sail down along the animal's back as it plunged into a deep pool of ... Read more

$0.99 USD

Sonora Carver was an American entertainer, most notable as one of the first female horse divers. Carver answered an ad placed by "Doc" William Frank Carver in 1923 for a diving girl and soon earned a place in circus history. Her job was to mount a running horse as it reached the top of a forty-foot (sometimes sixty-foot) tower and sail down along the animal's back as it plunged into a deep pool of
... Read more
The Rise and Fall of the Sideshow Geek: Snake Eaters, Human Ostriches, & Other Extreme Entertainments

by Nathan Wakefield ...

Delve into the captivating and sometimes dark history of sideshow geeks and other eccentric acts of the past! With this book, you can explore the realm of forgotten carnival entertainment. Learn all about the rise and fall of the sideshow geek, uncovering the truth behind the myths and uncovering untold stories. You'll be taken on a journey through time to discover the captivating and sometimes ... Read more

$7.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

Delve into the captivating and sometimes dark history of sideshow geeks and other eccentric acts of the past! With this book, you can explore the realm of forgotten carnival entertainment. Learn all about the rise and fall of the sideshow geek, uncovering the truth behind the myths and uncovering untold stories. You'll be taken on a journey through time to discover the captivating and sometimes
... Read more
Life Story of the Ringling Brothers

by Alfred T. Ringling ...

Life Story of the Ringling Brothers: Humorous Incidents, Thrilling Trials, Many Hardships, and Ups and Downs, Telling how the Boys Built a Circus, and Showing the True Road to SuccessIn this captivating republication of the original 1900 book, now in the public domain, Alfred "Alf" Theodore Ringling (1861-1919) chronicles the remarkable journey of the Ringling brothers. From their humble ... Read more

$4.99 USD

Life Story of the Ringling Brothers: Humorous Incidents, Thrilling Trials, Many Hardships, and Ups and Downs, Telling how the Boys Built a Circus, and Showing the True Road to SuccessIn this captivating republication of the original 1900 book, now in the public domain, Alfred "Alf" Theodore Ringling (1861-1919) chronicles the remarkable journey of the Ringling brothers. From their humble
... Read more

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