Circus: An Album - Hardcover

Granfield (Cowboy, 1994, etc.) takes on the circus with this jam-packed informational book, first published in Canada, and its abundant full-color illustrations and reproductions. The author begins with historical versions of circus-like productions, dating from 2400 b.c. in Egypt, through the ``father of the modern circus,'' Philip Astley, in the 1770s, to the present, with glimpses of the evolution of the circus worldwide. Among the topics: animals, advertising, the circus way of life, development of acts, physical structures, clowns (and the trademarking of clown faces), decorative circus wagons, language, lore, sideshows, and the most famous attractions and owners. While enthusiastically extolling the delights of the circus, Granfield is also aware of the controversies--the treatment of sideshow acts, the lies circulated by competing circuses, and more. She includes scores of sidebars with information on circus-related information; every page offers up a tidbit. If the album weren't already enjoyable to browse, the illustrations are irresistible: posters, signs, postcards, photos, and advertisements, many from the author's own collection. An exceptional resource, with appeal beyond a young audience; almost everyone will find something new here. (index) (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Grade 4-8?Did you know that the average person in a Middle Ages community saw no more than 100 people in his/her lifetime? No wonder there was such a stir when the circus came to town. And the circus that came to town in the Middle Ages could trace its history back to 2400 B.C. These are just a few of the details packed into this thorough and readable book. It's visually exciting, with lots of sidebars, full-color and black-and-white photographs and reproductions, circus posters, and newspaper headlines to hold readers' attention. The text is factual and complete but not overwhelming. Anecdotes about performers and promoters are interspersed with facts about such aspects of circus life as the calliope and computer software. Granfield looks at the future of the circus as well as the role various countries and cultures have played in its history. This is an excellent choice for reports and for general interest. Students who consult it for research will probably end up reading it from cover to cover.?Edith Ching, Parrott Library, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.