Fall of the Big Top

This work explores circus history from 1793 to the present and addresses the forces of modern culture (such as the popularity of Cirque du Soleil, and pressure from the animal rights movement) that are pushing big top shows toward what he calls "circus ballet." Numerous photographs and in-depth interviews conducted with show owners, performers and directors enrich the narrative. Overall, the book reveals a sobering contrast between circuses of yesterday and today, even as it honors the outstanding performers who created, and have sustained, the enduring appeal of the circus.

ISBN	0786431695	Pages	231
ISBN13	9780786431694 (What's this?)	Volumes	1
Publisher	McFarland & Co Inc	Weight (grammes)	594
Imprint	McFarland & Co Inc	Published in	Jefferson, NC
Format	Hardback	Height (mm)	254
Publication date	15 Dec 2007	Width (mm)	178
Library of Congress	2007035672	Spine width (mm)	18
DEWEY	791.30973	Academic level	General
DEWEY edition	DC22

	Preface
1	The Big One Falls	5
2	Back Before Barnum	18
3	American Heyday	29
4	Brother, Can You Spare a Ring?	44
5	Spectacles Unsublime	56
6	Mavericks on the Midway	66
7	Cirque du Invasion	77
8	Encore for the Eighties	88
9	Vanishing Visions	98
10	Laliberte Latitudes	104
11	Ringling in Retreat	114
12	Reparations for Jumbo?	124
13	Gunther in Black	132
14	There Go the Shriners	139
15	And the Band Did Not Play On	148
16	Minus Clyde Beatty	158
17	This Way to the Ballet	169
18	Bumpin' Back with a Voice	184
19	Big Apple Delicious	194
20	And in the Only Ring That Matters	206
	Chapter Notes	221
	Bibliography	225
	Index	227

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The Vanishing American Circus

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