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Sure,there are still Circuses that operate today;but they are nothing compared to what they were in the "old days". The Circus was probably the greatest entertainment spectacle the world has ever seen;and this magnificent book does an excellent job of capturing what the Circus was all about. Banners were raised,holidays were declared and everything came to a halt.The arrival of the Circus Train and the disembarkment of all the animals,Circus People and colorful equipment was a sight to behold.Then the big parade through town to the Circus Site ,and the hiring of locals,the smells and sounds,and setting up; were all part of the experience. This book shows what that world was like and why it came to an end. You might want to read my review posted on December 2,2009 on the book "Eyeing The Flash" "The Making of a Carnival Con Artist", by Peter Fenton. Then the time arrived for the Circus to start,and it seemed that everyone in town got involved.
Watching these things today on the TV screen or in a Movie just isn't the same as it was when the Circus came to town. In the days,before TV,and other forms of entertainment;when people did not have the wherewithal to travel;the "coming to town" of the Circus,was a much anticipated event.It was such an event,that nothing comparable exists today.The lead up of posters for weeks,announcing the coming of the Circus,would be all over town and in the store windows.As the arrival got closer,people made their plans to attend and the excitement was everywhere. Big money attractions,high cost for employees,unions,regulations,interference by do-gooders,animal rights activists,and every form of political correctness ,and changing times and forms of entertainment;all contributed to the end of the Circus.While the Big Tent with its 3 Rings was the center of it all,the Side Shows brought things that were amazing,and unbelievable.The Monkey Girl,The Flea Circus,Fire Eaters and Sword Swallowers,the tallest,Fattest,Tinyest,Oldest,were all there to see.The World's smallest Horse,The 5 Legged Cow,The Armless Artist who drew with his feet,The Blind Knife Thrower,The Chicken who played the Piano,and on and on.Not to be forgotten were Princess Sheba and Exotic dancers from the East,The Aerial Acts,Horseback Riding Tricks,Humans shot from Cannons;they were all there. This book is a wonderful record and keepsake for anyone who ever attended the Circus and will bring back memories of days gone by that will never return. The circus was not only a big show that took place;it was a way of life for a whole group of people who lived in the Circus World and was really a large extended family.It provided a way for many extraordinary people to make a life and living. Another similar form of entertainment was the Travelling Fairs,which did some of the same things ,but on a much smaller scale.Those little "fairs" we see now set up in the parking lots of Shopping Malls are just a poor imitation of what they used to be.
This book will bring back many memories to those who remember the real Circus,and explain why so many held a secret dream of "running away and joining a circus".
It actually exceeded my expectations by a mile. Seeing that it was a Taschen I knew it would be good.
For anybody who has ever wanted to collect circus memorabilia but couldn't afford it, this is your go to book. The illustrations are huge, the photos amazing, with every aspect of circus days of old covered.
A literally enormous book (about 30 x 50cm and thick) it is the absolute definitive collection of all things circus. Then I saw this book on Martha Stewart's show, of all places, but it was a smaller version.
This is a beautiful book to keep out for everybody to share (and you will be hard pressed to fit it in a book shelf anyway). I have always loved old circus poster art and ephemera and over the years tried to collect what books I could on the subject but have always been disappointed with the lack of one really fabulous book about it.
When I received my purchase in the mail, I couldn't believe how huge, informative and gorgeous it was. So don't hesitate to buy.this ones a keeper.
Excellent book for one interested in the Development of the Circus in America. Wonderful posters and pictures.
Even with the Amazon discount this is way overpriced imo. I love circus imagery and this is a thick book filled with it, but I just don't think this is worth the asking price. Taschen has lately been publishing books at very expensive prices and, unfortunately, out of the reach of many people. The Circus has never been more expensive than in this book.
love not only the pix but the graphics.and colors.it was a different world then and the book helps show how the masses were entertained. it also shows the intimate side of being apart of a spectale. most interesting book.
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