Circus: A Visual History

This book explores the history of the circus through 200 circus-related artworks from the French National Library's collections, showcasing its development as an art form from antiquity to the present day.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 09 August 2018
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Winner of the 2019 British Book Design & Production Award for Scholarly, Academic & Reference Books, this captivating book explores the evolution of the circus as an art form across different cultures and time periods. Drawing from over 200 circus-related artworks housed in the private collections of the French National Library, celebrated cultural historian Pascal Jacob weaves a narrative that traces the journey of traveling entertainers and their remarkable artistry. Spanning from the nomadic animal tamers of the Dark Ages to the European jugglers and acrobats of the 1800s, from the circus's use as Soviet propaganda to the flourishing Chinese performance art renaissance of the 20th century, this exhaustive history offers a uniquely international perspective. Jacob showcases a wide range of rare and renowned artworks, including prints dating back to the 13th century, alongside paintings by artists such as Picasso and Doré. Through his meticulous analysis, Jacob compellingly demonstrates that the circus is a visual and physical masterpiece, constantly evolving and captivating audiences just as it did centuries ago. This captivating book is a testament to the enduring power of the circus as a timeless form of entertainment.

\n Weight: 1254g\n
Dimension: 291 x 212 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781350043107\n \n