The American State Fair (Motorbooks Classics) [Paperback]

Derek Nelson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2004 | Series: Motorbooks Classics

A summertime entertainment staple of most states, these eagerly anticipated annual get-togethers present fair-goers with a dizzying juxtaposition of divergent sights, sounds, and aromas, not to mention entertainment options that range from high-flying midway thrills to more staid livestock shows and farm equipment displays. Step right up and take a closer look at this nostalgic photo history which begins with the advent of State Fairs as agricultural expositions in the 1800s and continues through the 1960s.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Although this is a bit of a departure from the usual offerings from Motorbooks International, it is a great offering nonetheless. A colorful, humorous, nostalgic and well-researched history of an American institution... -- rpm magazine, March 2000

Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys, told me some years back that one of his problems with fame was that he couldn't go places for fun without getting mobbed. But he always had a soft spot in his heart for state fairs... he had belonged to the local 4-H club and routinely entered pigs in state fair competition. -- Bill Ruehlmann, The Virginian-Pilot, Oct. 10, 1999 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

State fairs are eagerly anticipated summertime celebrations across the country, each offering its own dizzying array of sights, sounds, aromas (some pleasant, others a bit more subjective), and entertainment options ranging from high-flying midway thrills to the traditional livestock and farm equipment shows.

The American State Fair brings the summer's most prominent happening to life with photography culled from the archives of several states renowned for the grand scale and cultural significance of their state fairs. Chapters are arranged by state fair staples such as the midway, food, livestock, bake-offs, crafts, freak shows and more.

The book focuses on state fairs form the Civil War through the 1950s. This was the heyday of the fair, a time period when it was one of the most important rural events of the year for a culture that was mostly agricultural.

Over time, the fair evolved a bit, with the addition of electric lights opening the midway after dark. The fair also saw many new technologies introduced and showcased. Despite this, the fair was and remains a bastion of old-fashioned ways, with the long-standing fixtures such as livestock auctions, Ferris wheels, and so much more bringing a rich sense of tradition to this timeless summer event.

The American State Fair celebrates the event with more than 200 color and black and white photographs, illustrations, post cards, and poster art. A nostalgic look at one of America's favorite events, this book takes you on a timeless stroll down the midway, through the swine barn, and over to the race track. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks International (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760319170
• ISBN-13: 978-0760319178
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,739,733 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.