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Battle for the Big Top

P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, John Ringling, and the Death-Defying Saga of the American Circus

by Les Standiford ...

“Les Standiford takes us under the big top and behind the curtain in this richly researched and thoroughly engaging narrative that captures all of the entrepreneurial intrigue and spirit of the American circus.” —Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Devil in the GroveMillions have sat under the “big top,” watching as trapeze artists glide and clowns entertain, but few know the ... Read more

Was $16.99 CAD Now $2.99 CAD

“Les Standiford takes us under the big top and behind the curtain in this richly researched and thoroughly engaging narrative that captures all of the entrepreneurial intrigue and spirit of the American circus.” —Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Devil in the GroveMillions have sat under the “big top,” watching as trapeze artists glide and clowns entertain, but few know the
... Read more
China's Bending Bodies: Contortionists and Politics in China

by Mariam Ala-Rashi ...

This research study proposes an introduction to the performance art form contortionism by examining its theories and functions throughout the 20th and 21st century. It considers themes including the appropriation of contortionism during the golden age of Hollywood and discusses definition issues between contortionism and other disciplines that highlight body flexibility, such as gymnastics and ... Read more

$13.99 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

This research study proposes an introduction to the performance art form contortionism by examining its theories and functions throughout the 20th and 21st century. It considers themes including the appropriation of contortionism during the golden age of Hollywood and discusses definition issues between contortionism and other disciplines that highlight body flexibility, such as gymnastics and
... Read more
Circus Psychology

An Applied Guide to Thriving Under the Big Top

by Fleur van Rens ...

The lives of circus artists can be mentally and physically demanding. Circus Psychology: An Applied Guide to Thriving Under the Big Top is an evidence-based guide to nurturing the mental health of circus artists while enabling them to perform at the peak of their capacities.The book is organised into three accessible sections: mental health in circus, optimising the circus environment to ... Read more

$46.99 CAD

The lives of circus artists can be mentally and physically demanding. Circus Psychology: An Applied Guide to Thriving Under the Big Top is an evidence-based guide to nurturing the mental health of circus artists while enabling them to perform at the peak of their capacities.The book is organised into three accessible sections: mental health in circus, optimising the circus environment to
... Read more
Monty Python Speaks

The Complete Oral History of Monty Python, as Told by the Founding Members and a Few of Their Many Friends and Collaborators

by David Morgan ...

With a Foreword by John Oliver, host of Last Week TonightIn celebration of the 50th anniversary of its BBC debut, a revised and updated edition of the complete oral history of Monty Python—an insightful, in-depth portrait of the brilliant and hysterically funny show that transformed modern comedy.Broadcast by the BBC between 1969 and 1974, Monty Python’s Flying Circus introduced something ... Read more

$11.99 CAD

With a Foreword by John Oliver, host of Last Week TonightIn celebration of the 50th anniversary of its BBC debut, a revised and updated edition of the complete oral history of Monty Python—an insightful, in-depth portrait of the brilliant and hysterically funny show that transformed modern comedy.Broadcast by the BBC between 1969 and 1974, Monty Python’s Flying Circus introduced something
... Read more
Ma place au soleil

Récit biographique d'un des fondateurs du Cirque du Soleil

by Gilles Ste-Croix ...

Depuis plus de trente ans, le Cirque du Soleil brille de tous ses feux. Derrière cette extraordinaire réussite se trouve un homme pas ordinaire et dont on connaît peu de choses: Gilles Ste-Croix, l'un des fondateurs du Cirque du Soleil aux côtés de Guy Laliberté. Pour la première fois, ce créateur qui a choisi l'ombre nous livre son parcours de vie dans MA PLACE AU SOLEIL. Il nous raconte son ... Read more

$17.99 CAD

Depuis plus de trente ans, le Cirque du Soleil brille de tous ses feux. Derrière cette extraordinaire réussite se trouve un homme pas ordinaire et dont on connaît peu de choses: Gilles Ste-Croix, l'un des fondateurs du Cirque du Soleil aux côtés de Guy Laliberté. Pour la première fois, ce créateur qui a choisi l'ombre nous livre son parcours de vie dans MA PLACE AU SOLEIL. Il nous raconte son
... Read more
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts

An Illustrated Guide to Strength, Flexibility, Training, and Injury Prevention

by Emily Scherb ...

An illustrated guide to anatomy and biomechanics for aerialists who want to optimize their performance and train safelySpecifically designed for aerialists—including those who do trapeze, silks, and other aerial arts— Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts is an invaluable resource for those who want to optimize their performance and train safely.Using a biomechanical and movement-based approach, Emily ... Read more

$23.19 CAD

An illustrated guide to anatomy and biomechanics for aerialists who want to optimize their performance and train safelySpecifically designed for aerialists—including those who do trapeze, silks, and other aerial arts— Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts is an invaluable resource for those who want to optimize their performance and train safely.Using a biomechanical and movement-based approach, Emily
... Read more
The Circus Fire

A True Story of an American Tragedy

by Stewart O'Nan ...

The acclaimed author of Emily, Alone and Henry, Himself brings all his narrative gifts to bear on this gripping account of tragedy and heroism—the great Hartford circus fire of 1944.It was a midsummer afternoon, halfway through a Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus performance, when the big top caught fire. The tent had been waterproofed with a mixture of paraffin and gasoline; in seconds ... Read more

$16.99 CAD

The acclaimed author of Emily, Alone and Henry, Himself brings all his narrative gifts to bear on this gripping account of tragedy and heroism—the great Hartford circus fire of 1944.It was a midsummer afternoon, halfway through a Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus performance, when the big top caught fire. The tent had been waterproofed with a mixture of paraffin and gasoline; in seconds
... Read more
Flying, Falling, Catching

An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom

by Henri J. M. Nouwen, Carolyn Whitney-Brown ...

“Flying, Falling, Catching is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that despite all the perils and sufferings that surround us, with which we often collide, we can find healing, peace, and awe even in the most unusual detours that life offers. A must read.” — Marina Nemat, Author of international best-seller Prisoner of Tehran"In Carolyn Whitney-Brown's deft hands, Henri’s intentions literally, vividly ... Read more

$16.99 CAD

“Flying, Falling, Catching is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that despite all the perils and sufferings that surround us, with which we often collide, we can find healing, peace, and awe even in the most unusual detours that life offers. A must read.” — Marina Nemat, Author of international best-seller Prisoner of Tehran"In Carolyn Whitney-Brown's deft hands, Henri’s intentions literally, vividly
... Read more
American Sideshow

by Marc Hartzman ...

A fascinating look into the history of the American sideshow and its performers. Learn what's real, what's fake, and what's just downright bizarre.You've probably heard of Tom Thumb. The Elephant Man. Perhaps even Chang and Eng, the original Siamese twins. But what about Eli Bowen, the legless acrobat? Or Prince Randian, the human torso? These were just a few of the many stars that shone during ... Read more

$16.99 CAD

A fascinating look into the history of the American sideshow and its performers. Learn what's real, what's fake, and what's just downright bizarre.You've probably heard of Tom Thumb. The Elephant Man. Perhaps even Chang and Eng, the original Siamese twins. But what about Eli Bowen, the legless acrobat? Or Prince Randian, the human torso? These were just a few of the many stars that shone during
... Read more
Under the Big Top

A Season with the Circus

by Bruce Feiler ...

$11.99 CAD
Carnie King

The Story of Patty Conklin and Conklin Shows

by John Thurston ...

The story of the audacious showman who built the greatest carnival dynasty in North America.Enter the realm of the carnie king, Patty Conklin, the flamboyant founder of what would become the world’s largest carnival company. Patty started on the mean streets of New York selling peanuts before becoming a a small-time operator. Willing to try anything to promote his show, he established himself as a ... Read more

$2.99 CAD

The story of the audacious showman who built the greatest carnival dynasty in North America.Enter the realm of the carnie king, Patty Conklin, the flamboyant founder of what would become the world’s largest carnival company. Patty started on the mean streets of New York selling peanuts before becoming a a small-time operator. Willing to try anything to promote his show, he established himself as a
... Read more
Freak Show

Presenting Human Oddities for Amusement and Profit

by Robert Bogdan ...

This cultural history of the travelling freak show in America chronicles the rise and fall of the industry as attitudes about disability evolved.From 1840 until 1940, hundreds of freak shows crisscrossed the United States, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, exhibiting their casts of dwarfs, giants, Siamese twins, bearded ladies, savages, snake charmers, fire eaters, and other oddities. ... Read more

$19.99 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

This cultural history of the travelling freak show in America chronicles the rise and fall of the industry as attitudes about disability evolved.From 1840 until 1940, hundreds of freak shows crisscrossed the United States, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, exhibiting their casts of dwarfs, giants, Siamese twins, bearded ladies, savages, snake charmers, fire eaters, and other oddities.
... Read more
The Trouble With Tigers

A gripping and sweeping tale of unforgettable adventures and unforgiveable secrets

by Roxane Dhand ...

'A highly accomplished novel, peopled by complex characters, most of whom are hiding secrets about themselves' Jasmina Svenne, Historical Novel Society'This is a story with all the engaging elements of suspense and romance' FIVE STARSThis compulsive tale is rich in atmosphere and page-turning intrigue' FIVE STARS'The story is engaging from the start with enough twists and turn... ... Read more

$3.99 CAD

'A highly accomplished novel, peopled by complex characters, most of whom are hiding secrets about themselves' Jasmina Svenne, Historical Novel Society'This is a story with all the engaging elements of suspense and romance' FIVE STARSThis compulsive tale is rich in atmosphere and page-turning intrigue' FIVE STARS'The story is engaging from the start with enough twists and turn...
... Read more
The Ordinary Acrobat

A Journey into the Wondrous World of the Circus, Past and Present

by Duncan Wall ...

The extraordinary story of a young man’s plunge into the unique and wonderful world of the circus—taking readers deep into circus history and its renaissance as a contemporary art form, and behind the (tented) walls of France’s most prestigious circus school.When Duncan Wall visited his first nouveau cirque as a college student in Paris, everything about it—the monochromatic costumes, the acrobat ... Read more

$15.99 CAD

The extraordinary story of a young man’s plunge into the unique and wonderful world of the circus—taking readers deep into circus history and its renaissance as a contemporary art form, and behind the (tented) walls of France’s most prestigious circus school.When Duncan Wall visited his first nouveau cirque as a college student in Paris, everything about it—the monochromatic costumes, the acrobat
... Read more
Circus Mania!

by Douglas McPherson ...

A history of the circus from its origins in the Roman times, through its establishment in Western Europe, and to the modern day circus—absolutely diverse and captivatingCircuses have existed since Roman times, but centuries later, the circus world has never been more diverse and captivating, the global success of Cirque du Soleil testament to its enduring and universal appeal. Traditional family ... Read more

$9.99 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

A history of the circus from its origins in the Roman times, through its establishment in Western Europe, and to the modern day circus—absolutely diverse and captivatingCircuses have existed since Roman times, but centuries later, the circus world has never been more diverse and captivating, the global success of Cirque du Soleil testament to its enduring and universal appeal. Traditional family
... Read more
Angels Can Fly a Modern Clown User Guide

by Alan Clay ...

This book is a modern clown user guide. It includes a mix of fiction which follows the adventures of ten clown characters some personal clown anecdotes from clowns from around the world and some theory on the nature of modern clown as well as 50 practical clown exercises appropriate for workshops or performance. ... Read more

$10.99 CAD

This book is a modern clown user guide. It includes a mix of fiction which follows the adventures of ten clown characters some personal clown anecdotes from clowns from around the world and some theory on the nature of modern clown as well as 50 practical clown exercises appropriate for workshops or performance.
... Read more
Juggling: What It Is and How to Do It

by Thom Wall ...

Juggling: What It Is and How to Do It is the result of six years of work by former Cirque du Soleil juggler Thom Wall. This book teaches learners of all ages how to juggle – one of the world's oldest artforms. With a kind demeanor, humor, and enthusiasm, Wall explains the process of juggling through four different modalities, bolstered by the latest physical education research.The practice of ... Read more

$13.99 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

Juggling: What It Is and How to Do It is the result of six years of work by former Cirque du Soleil juggler Thom Wall. This book teaches learners of all ages how to juggle – one of the world's oldest artforms. With a kind demeanor, humor, and enthusiasm, Wall explains the process of juggling through four different modalities, bolstered by the latest physical education research.The practice of
... Read more
A Girl and Five Brave Horses

by Sonora Carver ...

A Girl and Five Brave Horses is the story of Sonora Carver and was the basis for the movie Wild Hearts Can't be Broken. Carver answered the following want ad: Wanted: Attractive young woman who can swim and dive. Likes horses, desires to travel. See Dr. W. F. Carver, Savannah Hotel. From there she became the first woman to jump from forty and sixty feet into a pool of water with diving horses. ... Read more

$2.99 CAD

A Girl and Five Brave Horses is the story of Sonora Carver and was the basis for the movie Wild Hearts Can't be Broken. Carver answered the following want ad: Wanted: Attractive young woman who can swim and dive. Likes horses, desires to travel. See Dr. W. F. Carver, Savannah Hotel. From there she became the first woman to jump from forty and sixty feet into a pool of water with diving horses.
... Read more
Facing Fear

Step Out in Faith and Rise Above What's Holding You Back

by Nik Wallenda ...

A practical guide to overcoming fear from the daredevil who has walked on a tightrope across Times Square and the Grand Canyon.Nik Wallenda is a seventh-generation member of the Flying Wallendas, a circus family known for performing dangerous feats without safety nets. Nik is known for his daring televised tightrope walks over Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Times Square, and an active volcano ... Read more

$9.99 CAD

A practical guide to overcoming fear from the daredevil who has walked on a tightrope across Times Square and the Grand Canyon.Nik Wallenda is a seventh-generation member of the Flying Wallendas, a circus family known for performing dangerous feats without safety nets. Nik is known for his daring televised tightrope walks over Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Times Square, and an active volcano
... Read more
The Ringmaster's Daughter

by Jostein Gaarder ...

From the author of SOPHIE'S WORLD, 'A masterful mixture of fantasy and reality...a simply wonderful read' SHE.Panina Manina, a trapeze artist, falls and breaks her neck. As the ringmaster bends over her, he notices an amulet of amber around her neck, the same trinket he had given his own lost child, who was swept away in a torrent some sixteen years earlier.This tale is narrated by Petter, a ... Read more

$7.99 CAD

From the author of SOPHIE'S WORLD, 'A masterful mixture of fantasy and reality...a simply wonderful read' SHE.Panina Manina, a trapeze artist, falls and breaks her neck. As the ringmaster bends over her, he notices an amulet of amber around her neck, the same trinket he had given his own lost child, who was swept away in a torrent some sixteen years earlier.This tale is narrated by Petter, a
... Read more
The Circus Age

Culture and Society under the American Big Top

by Janet M. Davis ...

A century ago, daily life ground to a halt when the circus rolled into town. Across America, banks closed, schools canceled classes, farmers left their fields, and factories shut down so that everyone could go to the show. In this entertaining and provocative book, Janet Davis links the flowering of the early-twentieth-century American railroad circus to such broader historical developments as the ... Read more

$31.99 CAD

A century ago, daily life ground to a halt when the circus rolled into town. Across America, banks closed, schools canceled classes, farmers left their fields, and factories shut down so that everyone could go to the show. In this entertaining and provocative book, Janet Davis links the flowering of the early-twentieth-century American railroad circus to such broader historical developments as the
... Read more
American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals

Hitchhiking From California to New York, Alaska to Mexico

by Michael Sean Comerford ...

You'll never see your state fair or neighborhood festival the same again!American Oz is a rollicking, gritty, adventurous story of life in the secretive subculture of traveling carnivals.Comerford writes a bold, inspiring true story of a year working behind the scenes with the colorful characters and legends of carnivals.He shares stories of freaks, a carnival pimp, a tramp gold miner, and the ... Read more

$10.99 CAD

You'll never see your state fair or neighborhood festival the same again!American Oz is a rollicking, gritty, adventurous story of life in the secretive subculture of traveling carnivals.Comerford writes a bold, inspiring true story of a year working behind the scenes with the colorful characters and legends of carnivals.He shares stories of freaks, a carnival pimp, a tramp gold miner, and the
... Read more
The Humbugs of the World

An Account of Humbugs, Delusions, Impositions, Quackeries, Deceits, and Deceivers Generally, in All Ages

by P. T. Barnum ...

P. T. Barnum, best-known for his own use of hoaxes in his popular Barnum & Bailey Circus, found that the use of hoaxes was acceptable when the audience was getting the entertainment they paid for. When it came to religious hoaxes, fraud, and swindling, Barnum was avidly against it. He even went so far as to offer $500 to any medium who could prove that they actually could reach the dead. In this ... Read more

$0.99 CAD

P. T. Barnum, best-known for his own use of hoaxes in his popular Barnum & Bailey Circus, found that the use of hoaxes was acceptable when the audience was getting the entertainment they paid for. When it came to religious hoaxes, fraud, and swindling, Barnum was avidly against it. He even went so far as to offer $500 to any medium who could prove that they actually could reach the dead. In this
... Read more
Jumbo

The Unauthorised Biography of a Victorian Sensation

by John Sutherland ...

Born in 1861 in French Sudan, imported to Paris as a two year old calf, then later sold to the London Zoo at Regent's Park, Jumbo the elephant delighted countless children (including Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt) with rides and treats gently taken from outstretched hands. Each night, after the children and their families had gone home, he was mistreated in an attempt to keep him docile ... Read more

$13.99 CAD

Born in 1861 in French Sudan, imported to Paris as a two year old calf, then later sold to the London Zoo at Regent's Park, Jumbo the elephant delighted countless children (including Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt) with rides and treats gently taken from outstretched hands. Each night, after the children and their families had gone home, he was mistreated in an attempt to keep him docile
... Read more

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