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David Lewis Hammarstrom

Fall of the Big Top: The Vanishing American Circus

Fall of the Big Top: The Vanishing American Circus

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  • More about Fall of the Big Top: The Vanishing American Circus

The traveling circus has mostly disappeared from the American landscape, but this book explores its history from 1793 to the present and addresses the forces of modern culture that are pushing big top shows toward circus ballet. It includes photographs and interviews with show owners, performers, and directors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc


The once-thrilling spectacle of the traveling circus, a marvel of red wagons, trumpeting elephants, and dazzling trapeze artists that arrived in town at dawn and vanished by midnight, has all but faded from the American landscape. This captivating work delves into the rich history of the circus, spanning from 1793 to the present, while also examining the powerful forces of modern culture, such as the immense popularity of Cirque du Soleil and the relentless pressure from the animal rights movement, that are shaping the future of big top shows. Through numerous photographs and in-depth interviews with show owners, performers, and directors, the narrative is enriched, providing a profound insight into the world of the circus. What emerges is a sobering contrast between the circuses of yesterday and today, a testament to the enduring legacy of the performers who have created and sustained the timeless appeal of this remarkable art form.

Weight: 177g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476691350

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