Inside the Changing Circus (hardback)

Step right up to this eye-opening account of how circuses are scouted produced directed and ballyhooed - and forever reinventing themselves. Covering them all from the Kings of the sawdust rings to the bottom feeder big tops the author's unflinching candor and rich historical grasp may change forever how you view and experience the great spangled parade!Step right up for a visit to the American Circus! There could be no finer guide than David Lewis Hammarstrom ... His passion for sawdust and spangles bubbles from every line but - a rarity among circus writers - he's as quick to point out the rubbish and rip-offs as the wonderful -- THE STAGE London Fascinating! ... Something we need in these changing times more than anything else. -- PLANET CIRCUS Germany Bold and ambitious ... Timely and provocative! ... It is difficult to disagree with most of his views. -- CIRCUS REPORT USAOnce in the audience how can viewers evaluate what they see? ... A concise guide ... Hammarstrom's memories are vivid and his enthusiasm is infectious -- CHOICE I eagerly read this book - as a circus arts performer and instructor I found it entertaining and as an academic educator I found it very useful ... strikes a fun balance between history and gossip critical guide and personal insights into the diversity that is the world of the modern circus show. -- ELSIE SMITH ARTISTIC DIRECTOR NEW ENGLAND CENTER FOR CIRCUS ARTSA thought-provoking book... how circus particularly American circus has changed and developed over the past 50 to 60 years this book is packed with information and opinion. -- KING POLE UKPenetrating ... Informative ... Takes us out of our comfort zones. - THE WHITE TOPSRoll up while you still can to the greatest show on earth! 'fresh alive magical and compelling.' Along with the author of this fine volume I urge you to buy tickets for the world of sawdust and spangles before it's too late and circuses go the way of steam trains. -- THE DAILY MAIL LondonPay Attention! ... A good show!... This engaging study functions as a sort of everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-the-circus-business-today-but-were-too-mildly-nostalgic- to-ask. -- SPECTACLE USA