Charlie Rivel (1896-1980) was Europe's
most famous and popular clown. His costume trademark was a long red
jersey that had accidentally been stretched in the laundry. His
parents were street performers who travelled throughout Europe and
by the time Charlie was two, he was appearing in the family's act.
By the time he was six, he was performing a head-balancing act with
his sister who was one year younger. Charlie Rivel had a distinctive
square nose. A famous poster by Vang Rasmussen shows Charlie with
his head tilted back and a blue bird perched on his square nose. The
poster was originally created for Charlie's appearance with the
Cirkus Schumann in 1967 and was used by other shows for subsequent
appearances by the clown. The poster was the artist's favourite.
This book is Charlie Rivel's autobiography.
Condition: A Fine,
tight, clean copy in Fine dustwrapper. (Click on photograph
above for close-up of copy for sale). |
