The modern circus is about 250
years old. Started by a retired Sergeant-major of Dragoons in a
field off the Lambeth Marsh Road in London it grew to become one of
the worlds largest entertainment businesses. In spite of its many
ups and downs the artistes of the Traditional Circus remain a
closely knit, international family resilient and dedicated to their
art. Today their way-of-life is under threat from bureaucracy,
legislation, regulation and the animal rights movement.
This book outlines the history of
this unique, beguiling, travelling festival of fun, danger and skill
and is both embellished and amplified by the work of artists who
were seduced by its spectacle. The 160 illustrations, mostly in
colour, include paintings by 52 different artists from Toulouse
Lautrec, Jack Yeats and Dame Laura Knight up to the contemporary
artists Malcolm Coward and Susie Whitcombe. Through their paintings
one is able to savour the spirit of the Traditional Circus with its
inventory of trained exotic and domesticated animals.
Condition:
First edition hardback in Fine condition with Fine dustjacket. Click on image above to see close-up of book condition.
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