The drum and bugle corps, gorgeous
chariots, fabulous tableau cars, ornate animal wagons, triumphal and
patriotic floats and barges, the "sweet-tongued bells of Moscow",
the Roman teams, military bands, beautiful ladies escorted by
handsome knights, brass bands, huge herds of swaying elephants,
desert born camels, fierce lions, elfin ponies, clowns, jugglers,
harlequins, buffoons, cowboy riders, Indian chiefs, whistling
calliopes and more - the great circus parades of the turn of the
century in all their glory: "A winding, dazzling river of silver and
gold...Floods of music; glittering sights of joy...A mile of gleam,
gold, glint and glistening glamour."
Here in 183 rare and unusual
photographs and posters (10 in full colour) are the glorious,
colourful sights and the spine-tingling, thrilling sounds of circus
parades. These parades were unique and fascinating spectacles that
have unfortunately disappeared from American life. Charles P Fox and
F Beverly Kelley, authors of numerous books on the history of the
circus, re-create the circus parade during its golden age, bringing
back one of the most joyous parts of our American heritage.
After a brief introduction the
sections of the book follow each other in the approximate order of a
parade - from the first sights, smells and sounds to the steam
calliopes which traditionally ended them. The full, informative and
detailed captions and the marvellous illustrations give a virtual
history of perhaps the greatest, most alluring form of advertising
ever conceived by man. Here is a vital part of our past with all its
excitement, exotic flavour, and sheer sense of wonder and joy.
Condition:
Former Library book. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some
markings on the inside.
Please note that the cover shown above is attached to the inside
front cover.
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