Publisher's Synopsis
CIRCUS describes the American circus in its heyday, 1900-1950, and continues through the troubled times of the 1960's and 70's, on to the current contemporary circus, Cirque du Soleil, and others. Ringling Brothers, Barnum, and Bailey, "The Greatest Show on Earth" represent the "Golden Years" of the circus. This circus traveled with over 1300 employees and hundreds of animals visiting 100 cities each year across America. This book includes the stars of the circus: The Flying Wallendas, the sad clown, Emmett Kelly and Clyde Beatty, the animal trainer, as well as the gorilla Gargantua and Jumbo the elephant. For the 146th consecutive year, Ringling Brothers continue to tour the United States visiting over 100 cities with two separate units. Cirque du Soleil represents the "nouveau circus" and currently has 18 resident and touring shows performing around the world. This is an interesting story about how the oldest entertainment in America continues to flourish.
