There's a streak of the sucker in
all of us, and part of the showmen's job is to bring it out. We look
to him for thrills, danger, mystification, sex appeal. How far does
he gratify us? This book travels through the circuses, music halls,
sports arenas, pantomimes and fairgrounds, recalling memorable shows
both good and bad and discussing what the spectator really wants,
how much he will stand, and how far the showman can go.
The author knows something of show
business from both sides of the curtain, but he writes as an
ever-hopeful spectator at everything from the Flea Circus to the
Drury Lane pantomime, casting many curious sidelights on the odd
people and odd things that flourish on the crazy fringe.
Condition: D/W spine faded,
edges bent with some tears, shelf-worn. Book red boards, some foxing
to page ends, very clean inside.
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