Customer Reviews

The Circus: 1870-1950

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I own many circus books and i was advised about this one is a must.
For a $200 circus book it better be great one and the waters better part.
When it arrived I was amazed at the size and the weight of it. Then i open it up and it was like the land of Oz going from black and white to TECHNICOLOR.
In all my life I have never seen a book printed like this with all those beautiful color photos of the circus. Where ever they got those photos they are the best I have even seen in any book.
The WOW factor and it is just amazing book.
It is a must for the circus collector.
I am so glad I got a copy and it is worth every penny of the price.
Harry Kingston

Whilst by size this may be considered a novelty item and of particular interest to students of American Circus this has much more value than that. The oversize format and use of fold out pages presents an opportunity to display visual reproductions which otherwise would not be possible on this scale. Of particular interest to me was the presentation of items from very early circus history. This must have been a mamouth publishing enterprise with some commercial risk considering the total scope of the circus book reading customer base but the contributors and publishers must be complemented upon the finished product.

Not one to read in bed but a valuable addition to the collections of those interested in circus and visual presentation.

AC.

THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE WELL WORTH THE PRICE FOR THIS BOOK NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE THEM....THE ONLY DRAWBACK A GREAT AMOUNT OF THE TEXT IS FRENCH And GERMAN AND THERE ARE SOME PHOTOS THAT GO BEYOND 1950 WHICH IS GREAT....ANY CIRCUS FAN WOULD ENJOY....A VERY LARGE BOOK BRIEFCASE SIZE AND WEIGHS ABOUT 20 LBS.

I have to admit I wasnt expecting such a huge book, the book is truly a well documented encyclopedia of the gestation of the circus industry. Since I was hoping to use it as photographic reference material, it was perfect for the task, each page had well captioned images depicting the various influences and changes in circus culture. Moreover its not heavy reading. A great collection for circus fans.

THE CIRCUS 1870 - 1950. This is a behemoth of a coffee table book and is quite simply the last word on the subject of circus in America. I bought the book on-line as a Christmas gift for my husband, an ardent circus fan. I was unprepared for the enormity of the volume, when the at least 20 pound package arrived. But, when opened, I discovered a treasure chest of marvelous art and history. He loves it! The big and boffo art posters spell CIRCUS in the best of hyperbole and the book is a treat to peruse. Better get something like a dictionary table, though, to hold it. Then, pull up a chair, roll up your sleeves and have at THE CIRCUS, for an hour or ten of delightful immersion and celebration of an entertainment institution not just American, but world wide, with a rich and lustrous history.

This is a huge book. This coffee table book is too big for the coffee table. Buy two and you have a coffee table. It's a heavy book - you can't red it bed. You can't read it waiting at the airport, on the train or the bus. They don't build bookcases in this size. It's freak book. But it's also a beautiful book. Most circus books can be put in one of two categories - books about particular circuses /circus dynasties or books about the life in circus. This book is in a category of it's own - it describes the circus as an important factor in the development of the American popular culture. The picture material is beautiful but the text, in three languages, is even better. It's easy to make this oversized publication to a laugh matter. But it's also a really good buy if you are interested in circus and popular culture. You get a lot of book for your money - $ 6.90/pound or $ 2.3/square yard. Buy it.

All my life I have been facinated with the circus. I can remember my first trip as a child, where I got my first Betty Boop doll, and my first cotton candy. The whole experience was never to be forgotten. For Christmas this year, my daughter bought me this wonderful book. Although before my time, it brought back to me all the things I so loved about my visits to the circus. What wonderful pictures, poster reproductions, and stories. You don't need to run away to enjoy the circus life, this book covers it all!

For anyone who loves the Circus or dreamed of running off to join it, they will really enjoy this book. It's a terrific collection of photos, posters and story that truly capture the spirit of the circus culture. The book conjures a lost time where opulence, oddities and defiance of death were sought after entertainment in a rigid society. One can join in the fun with your own amazing feat of "HOLD AND ENORMOUS BOOK ON YOUR LAP WITHOUT LOOSING THE FEELING IN YOUR LEGS" stunt. So, I recommend it as the perfect coffee table book.

This is a fabulous book. The prints are true to life colors, the photos are ones you probably haven't seen. It is not a book it is a tome. and worth every penny

A great Circus lovers book! I was unaware of its size and scope when I ordered it, but was more than pleased with it upon arrival. Although a bit expensive, the book is definitely well worth it. Even if you don't read the text (a big mistake), the photogaphs and circus posters in this book portray a much needed human side to the American circus and its performers. I will enjoy this book for years to come. Now, if I could only find a shelf big enough to hold it.....