Overview

Since its inception in 1872, the Greatest Show on Earth has continually transformed itself to meet changing tastes and cultural shifts. Over the course of its long existence, it has been at various times a biblical spectacle and historical pageant, a ceremonial introduction to the peoples and cultures of the world, and a fairy tale masque. It has also featured sights ranging from gladiatorial combat and aerial daredevils to oddities of nature and foolhardy wonders. This work chronicles the colorful artistry of the Greatest Show on Earth from its beginning to 2010, revealing how each of 12 changes in management brought about changes in style and content. More than 50 photographs bring the flamboyant performers and amazing spectacles to life in this informative appreciation of the circus and its evolution.

Full Product Details

Author:   Ernest Albrecht
Publisher:   McFarland & Co Inc
Imprint:   McFarland & Co Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 17.80cm , Height: 1.60cm , Length: 25.40cm
Weight:   0.544kg
ISBN:  

9780786495245

ISBN 10:   0786495243
Pages:   308
Publication Date:   15 August 2014
Recommended Age:   From 18 years
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Table of Contents Acknowledgments delete vii Preface delete 1 Introduction delete 3 One. Before There Was Bailey (1871–1880) delete 5 Two. Barnum & Bailey (1881–1891) delete 14 Three. Bailey Stands Alone (1892–1906) delete 35 Four. Enter the Ringlings (1907–1918) delete 57 Five. Combined Shows (1919–1932) delete 73 Six. Sam Gumpertz: The Man from Dreamland (1933–1937) delete 106 Seven. John Ringling North’s First Try (1938–1942) delete 121 Eight. Robert Ringling, “a true Ringling son” (1943–1946) delete 139 Between pages 150 and 151 are 8 plates containing 15 reproductions Nine. John Ringling North and 51 Percent (1947–1967) delete 151 Ten. New Blood: Irvin and Kenneth Feld (1967–1984) delete 177 Eleven. Kenneth Feld Looks to the Future (1985–2003) delete 203 Twelve. The New Circus: A Sister Act (2004–2010) delete 238 Notes delete 263 Bibliography delete 275 Index delete 281

Reviews

bold illustrations...clear and informative...Albrecht's account balances readability with citations of primary sources that scholars will appreciate --Library Journal; fascinating...highly recommended --Choice; eminently readable, the book is filled with details that bring the history alive. Insightful and revealing, this volume is a must for circus enthusiasts of all stripes, masterfully balancing meticulous documentation of a mammoth commercial enterprise with critical evaluation of the unique personalities that held the reigns of power --The White Tops; an erudite examination of America's most enduring entertainment empire. Eminently readable, the book is filled with details that bring the history alive. Both serious circus historians and casual readers will be rewarded with surprises throughout. Insightful and revealing, this volume is a must for circus enthusiasts of all stripes, masterfully balancing meticulous documentation of a mammoth commercial enterprise with critical evaluation of the unique personalities that held the reigns of power --Circus Verlag / Planet Circus; It's the rare combination of a good read and a carefully researched treatise on a rarely explored subject and will be a welcome addition to any circus library --Circus Report and ShowBiz USA; from extensive research and from his own impressions form the 1940s, his book contains a wealth of information on the artistic creation of the show...an astonishing read --King Pole.

bold illustrations...clear and informative...Albrecht's account balances readability with citations of primary sources that scholars will appreciate --<i>Library Journal</i>; fascinating...highly recommended --<i>Choice</i>; eminently readable, the book is filled with details that bring the history alive. Insightful and revealing, this volume is a must for circus enthusiasts of all stripes, masterfully balancing meticulous documentation of a mammoth commercial enterprise with critical evaluation of the unique personalities that held the reigns of power --<i>The White Tops</i>; an erudite examination of America's most enduring entertainment empire. Eminently readable, the book is filled with details that bring the history alive. Both serious circus historians and casual readers will be rewarded with surprises throughout. Insightful and revealing, this volume is a must for circus enthusiasts of all stripes, masterfully balancing meticulous documentation of a mammoth commercial enterprise with critical evaluation of the unique personalities that held the reigns of power --<i>Circus Verlag / Planet Circus</i>; It's the rare combination of a good read and a carefully researched treatise on a rarely explored subject and will be a welcome addition to any circus library --<i>Circus Report and ShowBiz USA</i>; from extensive research and from his own impressions form the 1940s, his book contains a wealth of information on the artistic creation of the show...an astonishing read --<i>King Pole</i>.

Author Information

Ernest Albrecht is the editor/publisher of Spectacle, now a free, online magazine devoted to reviews and features of the contemporary circus. He is also the author of three previous books related to circus history.

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