Share

See All Buying Options

Have one to sell? Sell on Amazon

Flip to back Flip to front

Listen Playing... Paused You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition.
Learn more

See all 2 images

Clowns Hardcover – November, 1976

by John H. Towsen (Author)

36 customer reviews

See all 5 formats and editions Hide other formats and editions

Price

New from

Used from

Hardcover

"Please retry"

—

Paperback

"Please retry"

—

Clowns

Available from these sellers.

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading.

George Speaight

3

Hardcover
29 offers from $5.99
Ezra LeBank

6

Paperback
$41.92
David Wiles
Paperback
$45.99
Eli Simon

5

Paperback
$28.00

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?

1000 Clowns : More or Less Hardcover

H. Thomas Steele

13
33 offers from $5.92
Clown Paintings Hardcover

Diane Keaton

14
56 offers from $1.42
The Book of Clowns Hardcover

George Speaight

3
29 offers from $5.99
Clowns: In conversation with modern masters Paperback

Ezra LeBank

6

$41.92

Special offers and product promotions

Editorial Reviews

, xiii, [1], 400 pages, 8 double-sided colour photographic plates with titles, illustrations with titles in text throughout, inscription to lower pastedown

Product details

Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: E P Dutton (November 1976)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0801539625
ISBN-13: 978-0801539626
Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
Average Customer Review: 36 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,217 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #28793 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts
- #139484 in Books > Humor & Entertainment

Would you like to tell us about a lower price?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?

NO_CONTENT_IN_FEATURE

Important information

Ingredients

Example Ingredients

Directions

Example Directions

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars

5 star		97%
4 star		0%
3 star		0%
2 star		0%
1 star		3%

Write a customer review

See all verified purchase reviews

Top customer reviews

Well written, well researched

ByR. Potteron May 2, 2014

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Still considered "the Bible" by many who are interested in clown history. It follows the art form academically through many cultures and how it has evolved in Western theater into what we think of as the "modern clown." Towsen has done his research thoroughly and the fascinating notes on surviving diagrams and bits of business enrich our understanding of how clowns have fit into theater, circus and society for thousands of years.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

The Best Book on Clowns I've Read

ByGaleon May 1, 2014

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I have taught Clown since 1976, and have never found a better book than "Clowns" to share with my students. John Towsen's book is so readable. He lays out the history of clowns going back to Commedia Dell'Arte and The Festival of Fools. He shows how clowns had a role for all cultures and people, from the American Indians to Bali. The photos he uses give the reader great examples of the best clowns in the world. I wish it were still in print so that all students of clowning could see where their tribe came from.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Simply the Best

ByPrayzHymnon April 29, 2014

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

If you want the best book written on the history of clowns and clowning (I'm not talking about birthday parties, but physical comedy from ancient times to Charlie Chaplin to the present day) you do not have to look any further. All circus clowns know: this is the book to have!!!

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

ByStephen Sternon April 18, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Tried to give 5 stars but the computer leapt ahead. I love the book!

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

A must-have for any theatre Library

ByLafernon May 3, 2014

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This book is a classic. Well researched, well written, with beautiful photos and illustrations.
A great read for clowns, actors and theater historians.

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Very interesting story and inspiring characters

ByPeteon September 26, 2012

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

The book is very interesting and the author has developed a nice and friendly narrative. Really happy of having bought this product.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

ByHoudinion November 20, 2012

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

If you want a well-written and interesting history of Clowns, this is the book. IT's really educational and a good read. Can not recommend it enough.

0Comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

ByLMarxon January 2, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

GREAT BOOK!

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

Customer images

See all customer images

Most recent customer reviews

THE definitive book on the history of clown

John Towsen's "Clowns" is one of only a handful of books on the history of clowning. There are many more that endeavor to critique, categorize, and/or define the art of...Read more

Published on August 4, 2014 by Allan Turner

"Clowns" is a must-read for anyone who is serious about clowns, clowning, and/or the history of clowns and clowning.Read more

Published on June 27, 2014 by Todd Strong

Excellent, entertaining history and resources on Clowning!

Towsen's book continues to be an excellent and comprehensive resource on clowning. It offers a lively, detailed history and analysis of the art.

Published on June 6, 2014 by Claudia D Orenstein

An absolute classic

Ever since I studied with one of the great clown teachers, Richard Pochinko, in the late 70's, I have found clown books for my extensive library and I have owned and loved this...Read more

Published on May 10, 2014 by Debra Silver

This is a bible for clown!

I have bend a practitioner in the clown world for over 30 years, and this is the book I consistently recommend to my students, or anyone trying to get a real handle on the...Read more

Published on May 9, 2014 by Sue morrison

A Terrific and Comprehensive Education on Clowning!

It is near impossible to dig up a more complete and thorough examination of the clown and it's manifestations throughout history than what Mr. Towsen has gathered together here.Read more

Published on May 9, 2014 by Mister Clown

Absolutely the best history of theatrical clown in English

Absolutely the best history of theatrical clown in English - I teach clown, and have recommended it to my students for 30 years.Read more

Published on May 4, 2014 by jan henderson

The go-to book for clowning...

Had a first edition…gave it away to a clown friend who'd lent hers and never got it back. Not only did I enjoy it, it was a valuable reference in theater, clowning and theology...Read more

Published on May 4, 2014 by Louise S. Jensen

Brilliant, bright, and buoyant.

John Towsen's book Clowns is far and away the best history of 20th Century clowning extant. Mr. Towsen is eloquent, brilliant, and egalitarian in his work. Bravo!

Published on May 3, 2014 by Leland B. Faulkner

An Indispensable Resource

I have a well-read, autographed original copy of this book and cannot recommend it too highly. This was my written introduction to the history and world of clowning and it changed...Read more

Published on May 3, 2014 by Rodger French

Pages with related products. See and discover other items: Coupling Nuts

English United States

Conditions of Use
Privacy Notice
Interest-Based Ads
© 1996-2017, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates