The First Showman: The Extraordinary Mr Astley, The Englishman Who Invented the Modern Circus

The First Showman is a book about Philip Astley, the inventor of the modern circus. It was written by Karl Shaw, a New York Times bestselling author, and it brilliantly evokes the time, place, drama, pitfalls, successes, characters, and passion behind Astley's rise to fame. Astley was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme and served as a sergeant major in the British Army before becoming a brilliant innovator of equestrian tricks and spectacles. He established the still-standard diameter of the circus ring, built Frances's first purpose-built circus building, the Amphitheatre Anglais, in Paris, and built circuses in twenty European cities. His life is a wonderful story of perseverance and flair on the way to achieving everlasting renown.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The First Showman is a captivating journey into the life of the visionary behind the modern circus: Philip Astley. While numerous books have explored various aspects of the circus, there has been limited attention paid to its inventor. In this remarkable work, New York Times bestselling author Karl Shaw delves into the story of Britain's Barnum, drawing on extensive original research to bring forth the time, place, drama, challenges, triumphs, characters, and passion that shaped Astley's remarkable rise to fame. Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Astley's journey began as a sergeant major in the British Army, where he honed his exceptional horse-riding skills. It was during this time that he became a pioneer in the realm of equestrian tricks and spectacles, captivating audiences with his daring performances. In April 1768, Astley took a bold step by staking out a ring at Halfpenny Hatch near Waterloo in London. Alongside his wife, Patty, he showcased mesmerizing displays of trick horse-riding in the open air, laying the foundation for the modern circus. Two years later, he introduced a clown into the ring, a move that would forever transform the entertainment industry. With Astley at the helm, his circus troupe featured a strongman named Signor Colpi and a clown named Mr. Merryman, among others. Notably, he established the standard diameter of the circus ring, measuring 42 feet, a measurement that still stands today. His remarkable achievements extended beyond Europe, as he built circuses in twenty European cities, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Astley's influence extended beyond the circus ring, as his Amphitheatre in London was mentioned in books by renowned authors such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. His legacy lives on as a testament to perseverance and flair, showcasing the remarkable journey of a man who achieved everlasting renown.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398119529