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New Circus Books Around the Turn of the Millennium  Submitted by Editor on   7/7/2005 Last Modified Part I: An Annotated Listing Of Children’s Circus Books For Children, Parents, and Teachers: 1998-2003 — A Fifth Edition Part II: An Annotated Listing Of Circus Books For Reference and Historical Pursuit: 1997-2003 Compiled By Joseph W. Rogers, Professor Emeritus of Sociology New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003—0001 for The National Circus Preservation Society An Affiliate of The Circus Fans Association of America Education Committee Mr. Robert Kitchen, Chair March 2003 For correspondence with the author: Joe Rogers 306 Capri ARC Las Cnaces, New Mexico 88005—3730 Telephone (505) 524—3281 Email: joewrogers@zianet.com Part I AN ANNOTATED LISTING OF CHILDREN’S CIRCUS BOOKS FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND TEACHERS: 1998-2003 The Fifth Edition Introduction From its 1990 inception, this has been a Circus Fans Association Education Committee enterprise with Robert Kitchen serving as our dedicated Chair. This series was initiated, under his guidance, as a document which would be helpful in responding to persons calling or writing for assistance with circus—related inquiries — anything from assisting students with a current reading or research project to providing leads for building one’ 5 own circus library. His assurance that prior versions have been useful brings about this revision as an update of circus book publications. From the outset, however, it must be recognized this edition is a supplement to the fourth, NOT a substitute,. There is only slight overlapping between the two, and I have altered the format to feature publication sequence. This and/or prior editions may be obtained by contacting Mr. Robert Kitchen, 29 Damon Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02720-0388. To enhance your purchasing efforts, the important feature of the ISBN NUMBER, if available, has been attached to the specific entry. These were taken directly from the edition listed. I have discovered this information plus author and title enables busy clerks to quickly determine a book’s available through their computer files,. Unhappily, I must again mention the relatively short shelf life of many children’s books — regardless of subject. In such instances, you may have to enjoy the pleasure of your own hunt for hard-to—find gems. Used-book stores and sellers specializing in circus items are likely assets. Nor should you overlook libraries, rummage sales, and ads in our CFA magazine The White Tops. Be encouraged by the fact my personal circus library now contains well over 600 volumes devoted to children and youth! This list concentrates on works published during the past five years,s 1998—2002. As such, it provides something of an indicator of topical interest at the turn of the millennium. As it must be recognized these entries are selections, which I have been able to actually obtain and review, there is no pretense of one hundred percent coverage. A word about the coding of these books for young readers: K designates books directed primarily toward preschool and kindergarten age children. E refers to elementary grades — generally 1 through 5. M indicates entries ordinarily suitable for middle schools — grades 6 through 8. S spans the high—school years — 9 through 12. A suggests a book for “children of all ages!’ Double codes such as “KE” or ‘MS” imply a broader range of potential interest, while simultaneously adding a caution of appropriate fit. As an adult, I must confess still enjoying reading many of these works intended for young audiences. It is understood, of course, such categories are somewhat arbitrary, imperfect guides. After all, children vary enormously in interest, reading ability, background, and familial support. Given such variation among children even within the same school grade, some entries will seem too simple for advanced readers while others struggle with relatively easy passages.. In particular, some of those designated as K or E may require parental or teacher assistance, and of course pre—schoolers will enjoy encouragement to read by being “read to.” You will discover many of these works to be beautifully and delightfully illustrated with a fascinating array of techniques and colors. Several additional qualifications seem necessary. First, many, if not most, children’s books, do not render “authentic” or realistic portrayals of the circus. Some circus authorities and historians would doubtless take a dim view of such variance; thus, disapproving of this body of literature. Most of these entries are fictional stories, and simply put, their authors — hardly circus “experts” — shoulld be allowed creative license. The world of circus writing, in my view, has plenty of room for fiction and nonfiction, sprinkled with imagination and fantasy. Second, among such a large group of books within the five editions are several, which contain passages or references that may offend certain readers. American history, which is reflected in circus history, has not always been entirely free of racism, sexism, or insensitivity to human handicaps and animal welfare. I care about these matters, but I cannot censor these books anymore than I can censor youthful exposure to television, newspapers, or peers. In the final analysis, parents, teachers, and readers share ultimate responsibility for personal selections. On balance though, I believe the bulk of these works represent a healthy, enjoyable set of choices. Third, some individuals may question the inclusion of books about carnivals, and carousels, Wild West, and such related topics. Although not “strictly circus,” I view them as “relatives” — perhaps cousins — of possible interest to many circus fans.. Lastly, space is precious on bookstore shelves and it is more common NOT to find a particular book than it is to see it there.. Don’t hesitate to ask the store’s clerk to determine if it is available through their ordering service. Also not all stores order through the same warehouses or wholesalers, so make the effort to shop around if time permits.. Although 1 have never personally ordered through internet, I understand that services such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble provide valuable resources for book purchasing. Happy Hunting! Good Reading! 1998 K Barkan, Joanne (Illustrations by Page Eastburn O’Rourke)., Barnum’s Animals 4 Board Books. New York, NY: LITTLE SIMON/ Simon & Schuster, 1998 (drawing, C), ISBN: 0—689—81918—8. These four tiny books are cradled in a look-a-like Barnum’ s Animal Cracker box, even with the usual cloth handle attached! The subjects: ABC; Counting 1 to 10; Opposites; and Shapes. Very clever and attractive for pre-school children 3—5 years of age. K Bryant, Robyn (Illustrations by Roger De Kierk).. The Circus Is in Town! Richmond Hill. Ontario, Canada, Tremont International Ltd.!DS—Max Canada, Inc., 1998 (drawings, C), ISBN: 2—7641—0520—7. This large, oversized ‘package” shaped like a circus tent is one of the most unique, attractive items in my personal library. The colorful doors open to reveal 5 small board books and 3 squeaking toy animals — an elephant, a seal, and a dog. This one might well become a treasured keepsake to preserve for other children. K Corey, Shana (Illustrations by Dennis Hockerman. Based on characters created by Dick King—Smith). BABE, The Sheep Pig: The Funniest Pig in the World. New York, NY: Random House, 1998 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—679—88965—5. This is one of a series of Random House Pictureback Shape Books. This slender, soft bound volume takes BABE to a fair where he engages in a circus—type performance. K Crews, Donald. Night at the Fair. Greenwillow Books, a division of William Morrow & Company, Inc.., 1998 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—688—11483—0. This beautifully illustrated book comes from the pen of Crews, already the creator of two Caldecott Honor picture books. Although very short in narrative, the pictures easily convey fun attractions at the fair. A Davenport, Meg and Lisa V. Werenko (Illustrations by Meg Davenport). CIRCUS! A Pop-up Adventure. New York, NY: LITTLE SIMON/Simon & Schuster, 1998 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—689—82093.3. I elected to designate this entry with an ‘A” primarily because of the extraordinary paper engineering by Andrew Baron and Sally Blakemore.. Among my other “Pop-ups,” it stands out as one of the best that I have ever encountered. In fact, and I hate admitting this as a parent, I would hesitate to put this into the hands of a child or even a teenager without supervision — The displays are just too fragile. This one can be enjoyed by readers of any age.. A Granfield, Linda. Circus: An Album. New York, NY: DK Publishing, Inc.., 1998 (drawings, BW; C), ISBN: 0--7894—2453—3. This book is a repeat from our earlier edition. It is a well— researched 96—page volume that may be the most important children’s nonfiction circus book in a long while.. It can be recommended for mid school, high school, and adults. Granfield, who holds a master’s degree in English from Northwestern University, has already earned awards for three previous books. Here she traces the history of circus antecedents from the time of ancient Egypt and Greece through their evolution in Europe and America. Perhaps its most glaring flaw is attempting to cover too much historical ground with too few pages. Even so, it is intelligently conceived and beautifully illustrated. E Hogan, Mary (Illustrations by Renzo Barto). Casper in Circus Spooktacular. New York, NY: Inchworm Press, an imprint of GT Publishing Corporation, 1998 (drawings, C), ISBN: 1--57719—364—4. Casper, the friendly ghost, and his pals Fatso and Spooky go to the circus.. Promoted as a ‘nose tickler,” readers can supposedly ‘scratch and sniff all the yummy treats that the ghosts munch on during the faboolous show.” Alas, I could not detect the various scents (e.g., peanuts, popcorn, etc.), but perhaps that would not be a problem for young nostrils. That aside, if your son or daughter likes Casper’s antics, they should enjoy his circus escapades. KE Martini, Patrizia (Illustrations by Leonardo Binato) Pilu the Clown: Colors, Numbers, Shapes. Irving, CA: DS—MAX, 1998 (drawings, C),ISBN: 1—55280—170—5. Sizewise, this is the largest book—set in my collection at 13” X 17”. Note the word “set” because it comes in a one-inch thick colorful cardboard suitcase containing three oversized books, each page built on heavy cardboard. This is an import from Gruppo EdiCart, Legnano, Italy, and is distributed in such countries as Canada, England, and Malaysia.. I have only this set of three devoted to shapes, numbers, and colors, but the PILU books also include at least eight others such as Dinosaurs, Sea Animals, and Transportation. The huge pictures are accompanied by narratives suitable for elementary age youngsters, but requiring adult assistance for pre—schoolers. K Modern Publishing, Fisher-Price Little People Number Circus.. New York, NY: Modern Publishing, a division of Unisystems, Inc., 1998 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—7666—0321—0. This thin softbound book introduces ‘little people” to numbers 1 to 12 through delightful pictures and a rhyming text. Neither author nor illustrator is credited. E Scarry, Richard (Adapted by Gail Herman). Lowly Worm Joins the Circus. New York, NY: SIMON SPOTLIGHT, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, 1998 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—689—81625—1. This is a level 2 entry in the publisher’s Ready-to-Read series. L2 is for children who can read with help and are ready for slightly bigger challenges. There is a list of ‘new words to know,” but they are NOT defined. Judge for yourself such terms as ‘incredible,” whispers,” ‘extraordinary,” “autograph,” and ‘backstage,” among a set of nineteen. Lowly Worm’s story, accompanied by charming illustrations should prove to be a fun piece for elementary—age youngsters. According to the cover, this story emerges from ‘The Busy World of Richard Scarry” as seen on TV’s Nick Jr. and SHOWTIME, with which I am unfamiliar. 1999 K Allen, Margaret (Illustrations by Catherine Leary). Cat and Dog at the Circus. Cypress, CA: Creative Teaching Press, 1999 (drawings, C), ISBN: 1—57471—597—6. Dr. Allen holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas.. She is a specialist in early childhood education with 25 years of classroom experience, only 18 pages long in soft cover, it is Book #22 in a 24—book series that incorporates the most common phonics patterns young readers encounter. Its focus is on developing reading skills for very young children. KE Barkan, Joanne (Illustrations by Page Eastburn O’Rourke)..Barnum’s Animals ABC Puzzle Pack. New York, NY: LITTLE SIMON/Simon & Schuster, 1999 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—689—82591—9. This pack contains two components: A folding hard-cardboard puzzle book with slots in which to place pictures of animals, plus a box with 26 animal puzzle pieces. The reverse side provides several little games or quizzes. Like the 1998 Barkan/O’Rourke entry above, the set is housed in a Barnum’s animals cracker box with a cloth handle. It can probably be enjoyed by early elementary grade youngsters, who might well play ‘teacher” to younger siblings. K Davis, Emma. All in a Row, Go to the Circus.. Brookfield, CT: The Millbrook Press, Inc., 1999 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0— 7613—1037—1. Another unusual entry for kindergartners, this one has five dressed—up cardboard babies seated in recesses on the front cover! The child is asked first to stand them in slots located on the inside. He or she is then introduced to five circus performers: ringmaster, aerialist, juggler, clown, and acrobat. The task is for the child to transfer the babies to a second set of slots based on matching attire. The narrative is very brief but in rhyme, and its few pages are thick cardboard.. K Doolittle, Jane (Illustrations by Richard Torrey) . Circus Train: A Little Lionel Book about Counting. New York, NY: LITTLE SIMON/Simon & Schuster, 1999 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0-689—82834—9. Another hard cardboard book for very young persons, this one features colorful circus—train cars while teaching them how to count from 1 to 10 in amusing fashion. M Fazzi, Maura and Peter Kuhner (Illustrations also by Fazzi & Kuhner). The Circus of Mystery. New York, NY: North— South Books, 1999 (drawings B&W, C), ISBN: 0—7358—1168—7. This is a stunning work which really should be designated an ‘A” for its likely appeal to a broad range of readers. Originally published in Switzerland, it was translated by Rosemary Lanning.. The illustrations are astonishingly exquisite, starting out in grey and white but changing colors with a story line about a clown’s nose. — A genuine collector’s item! EM Langen, Annette (Illustrations by Constanza Droop). Felix Joins the Circus.. New York, NY: ABBEVILLE KIDS, A Division of Abbeville Publishing Group, 1999, (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—7892—06.32—3. Another marvelously illustrated book, this one contains an intriguing set of enveloped letters from Thlix Rabbit plus a set of three colorful juggling scarves and a tiny instruction booklet. One letter contains a recipe for carrot salad; another a map of the circus grounds. The story takes Felix and CIRCUS BARELLI to Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Detroit, Lansing, and Milwaukee from which he mails his letters to Sophie, his friend in Mansfield, OHIO. This provides parents a chance to toss in a bit of geography, along with the action.. The juggling component makes this entry difficult to grade, adding an adult participatory element. Importantly, the story conveys a strong message supporting intercultural understanding. Consider this example: “The Circus hereby proclaims that people of different races, creeds, and viewpoints can work together to bring others joy..” — Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppi. Roncalli (a circus was named after him!) KE Priceman, Marjorie. Emeline at the Circus. New York, NY: A Borzoi book published by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1999, (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—679—87685—5.. ‘While her teacher Miss Splinter is lecturing her second— grade class about exotic animals, clowns, and other performers that they are watching at the circus, Emeline accidentally becomes a part of the show.” — Educational, and strikingly illustrated. 2000 KE Boswick, Steven and Linda Howard Bittner (Illustrators). Choo-Choo The Circus Train. Lincolnwood, IL: Publications International, Ltd., 2000 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—7853—0394—4. This is a battery operated Play—a—Sound book with ten different sound buttons. Pictures of these keys appear at numerous points in the story for the child to punctuate its reading. — A fun ‘toy” with a delightful little story for young children. KE Clements, Andrew (Illustrations by Sue Truesdell) . Circus Family Dog.. New York, NY: Clarion Books, a Houghton Mifflin Company imprint, 2000 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—395—78648—7. If you like dog stories, I think you will enjoy this one about ‘Grumps” an old dog who is content to do his one (sort of dumb) trick in the circus center ring.. Unhappy at being upstaged by a younger, spryer ‘Sparks,” old Grumps makes a heroic effort to win back his family’s affection. K Elya, Susan Middleton (Illustrations by Loretta Lopez) Say Hola to Spanish at the Circus. New York, NY: LEE & LOW BOOKS, Inc., 2000 (drawings, C), ISBN: 1—880000—92—x.. This is a charmingly illustrated book written in a COMBINATION of Spanish and English. It contains a useful Spanish glossary defining over 70 words or expressions. — Distinctive! — The 3~ book in the Say Hola series. KE Lowry, Mark and Martha Bolton (Illustrations by Kristen Myers) . Piper Steals the Show! West Monroe, LA: Howard Publishing Company, Inc., 2000 (drawings, C), ISBN: 1—58229—127—6.. This is a Christian/religious oriented book accompanied by a CD in which the adventures of Piper the Hyper Mouse is narrated by the senior author, Mark Lowry. A foreword statement: ‘Our purpose at Howard Publishing is to: Increase faith in the hearts of growing Christians.. Inspire holiness in the lives of believers. Instill hope in the hearts of struggling people everywhere. Because He’s coming again!” 2001 K Disney, Walt. Walt Disney’s Duinbo: Where Do They Sleep? New York, NY: Random House, 2001 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—7364—1200—X. A small book of only six hard cardboard pieces, it is one of several in the publisher’s ‘Good—night” series.. Here Dumbo wonders where other circus animal friends sleep. KE Falconer, Ian. Olivia Saves the Circus. New York: Athenium Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, 2001 (drawings, B & W, C), ISBN: 0—689—82954—X. Falconer’s earlier book featuring Olivia was not only a bestseller, but was the recipient of at least five major awards! Olivia is a charming little piglet with a very big imagination. In this tale Olivia tells about her summer vacation with a circus, and when all the performers were out sick how she saved the day becoming Olivia the Tattooed Lady, Olivia the Lion Trainer, and the Flying Olivia, plus others. K Hill, Susan (Illustrations by Lydia Halverson). STUART LITTLE: Stuart at the Fun House. New York, NY: HarperTrophy, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2001 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—06—444304—3. Another in the publisher’s I Can Read series, it is graded at level 1 for preschool & first grade. When Stuart the mouse and his (human) brother, George, go to the amusement park, George keeps suggesting rides and games that are too big for Stuart. The Hall of Mirrors helps put things into a different perspective. E Smith, Jos. A.. Circus Train. New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.., Publishers, 2001 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—8109—4148—1. After moving into a house in the country, Timothy wonders how he will make friends, but his problem is solved when he finds an imaginative way to rescue a stranded circus train. — A peculiar story, but the water color pictures are great! The author/illustrator is a professor of art at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. K Tegge, Gigi. The Magical Trunk: A Book of Colors. Bridgeport, CT, Green Bark Press, 2001 (drawings, C), ISBN: 1— 880851—67—9. Gigi Tegge is a professional clown and a member of the Circus Fans Association of America (CFA) .. In this delightfully illustrated work, she provides a ‘gentle and colorful exploration of a clown’s trunk containing makeup and magic.” In a conversation at our 2002 CFA convention in Milwaukee, she confirmed the influence of noted artist/cartoonist Ray Dirgo on her own technique. E Worth, Bonnie (Illustrations by Christopher Santoro) JUMBO — The Most Famous Elephant in the World. New York, NY: Random House, Inc., 2001 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—375—81014—5. This entry into the Random House Step into Reading series, level 3 could be called a semi—fictional story of Jumbo. While it adds a fictional component, it is grounded in the real—life & death story of the great elephant.. Moreover, the author had the valuable counsel of Jeffrey L.. Nichols, Curator of Education at the Barnum Museum and Jim Breheny, Curator of Education for the Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo. The 48—page volume concludes with a plea in behalf of elephant preservation.. 2002 K Slate, Joseph (Illustrations by Ashley Wolff) . Miss Bindergarten Plans a Circus with Kindergarten. New York, NY: Dutton Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, 2002 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—525—46884—6. The brilliantly drawn pictures here are alone worth its price. All the characters, including Miss Bindergarten (a black & white pooch with a sweet face), are childlike animals.. Each of the 27 little creatures represents a letter of the alphabet (e.g., Ophelia Otter, Henry Hippopotamus). The story’s main focus is to encourage and teach ‘creativity” to children. — A fine book! K Slobodkina, Esphyr. Circus Caps for Sale. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2002 (drawings, C), ISBN: 0—06—029655—0. Our own children, now adults, were raised on this book’s predecessor Caps for Sale. This sequel, for ages 3—7, was actually published by Abelard—Schuman years ago, in 1967, with the title Pezzo the Peddler and the Circus Elephant. Part II AN ANNOTATED LISTING OF CIRCUS BOOKS FOR REFERENCE AND HISTORICAL PURSUIT: 1997—2003 INTRODUCTION My purpose in combining the foregoing children’s books with the historical/reference works that follow is twofold: First, to provide a contemporary base of recent publications for fans, researchers, and others. Second, to demonstrate the fact of ongoing publication itself. I feel this is important in the face of ongoing proclamations of the decline, if not the death, of a great American institution. As recently as 1998, the Circus World Museum staff in updating their list of circuses, circus producers, and circus organizations, identified 121 such entities in the United States and Canada! In my view, the following set of entries renders a significant addition and contribution to the large body of extant circus literature., The scholarship represented here by such diligent researchers as Dahlinger, King, Parkinson, Slout, and Thayer — just to cite a few — is astonishing. Authors such as these bring needed and special authenticity to their writing, a quality too often lacking in earlier decades. Anyone starting to build a personal circus library would do well to consider these recent works as an operative base on which to develop their collection. 1997 Adams, Bluford. E Pluribus BARNUM: The Great Showman & the Making of U. S. Popular Culture.. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 1997. ISBN: 0—8166—2630—6 (softbound) Despite the many previous Barnum autobiographies and biographies, this one claims to be the first book to consider the career of P. T.. Barnum from a cultural studies perspective. Adams links the rise of Barnum to the emergence of a new U. S. society, one divided by conflicts over slavery, feminism, immigration, and capitalism. He considers Barnum’s career as a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle over the politics of U. S. commercial entertainment. The author is an assistant professor in the Department of English at the University of Iowa. —— Also available in hard cover. Heifer, Ralph. MODOC: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived. New York, NY: HarperColiins Publishers, Inc., 1997. ISBN: 0—06—018257—1.. Although listed here, this book might well have been recommended in the previous section for high school students. The subtitle notwithstanding, it has been described as ‘fiction based on fact,” and what a remarkable tale it is! Born in 1896, Modoc endured both tragedies and triumphs, goes on to star alone in the center ring of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.. Author Heifer owned Modoc, known as ‘The Golden Elephant,” during the last 20 years of her life. Siout, William L. Clowns and Cannons: The American circus During the Civil War.. San Bernadino, CA: Borego Press, 1997. ISBN: 0—8095—1304—8 (softbound) This is a detailed account of the survival of the American circus during a perilous time in our country’s history. The Civil War period, 1961—1865, marked a major transition for traveling showmen who were forced to adapt their routes and programs to wartime conditions,. The number of circus proprietors reached its peak at the beginning of the outbreak, and somewhat surprisingly, would remain stable for another decade. — Includes period illustrations, notes, bibliography, and name index. -- Also available in hard cover. Thayer Stuart. Traveling Showmen: The American Circus Before the Civil War.. Detroit, MI: Astley & Ricketts Limited, 1997. ISBN: 0—9636019—1—1 (softbound) This work, in tandem with the previous entry by Slout, provides the most thorough historical treatment we have of the American circus covering some four decades, 1825—1865. Thayer, long revered for his previous three—volume set The Annals of the American Circus, renders insight here into the thinking of our early tent showmen in a long overdue book. 1998 Dahlinger, Fred Jr. and Stuart Thayer. Badger State Showmen: A History of Wisconsin’s Circus Heritage. Baraboo, WI: Circus World Museum/Madison,WI: Grote Publishing 1998. ISBN: 0-9663436—1—1. This collaboration brings together two of America’s most distinguished circus historians. They have chosen well their territory, the state of Wisconsin, that deservedly can be called ‘Mother of the American Circus.” The striking jacket cover only partly explains why, in noting the book provides new insights on 60 different show proprietors who founded their circuses there. Among these were such stellar figures as the Maybie Brothers, Dan Castello, Burr Robbins, the Ringlings, their cousins the Gollmars, and William Cameron Coop who some have claimed to be one of the most underestimated contributors to circus innovation. Added to their readable narrative, Dahlinger and Thayer have included over 100 illustrations, 10 beautiful full—color illustrations of Wisconsin Circus posters, a set of notes, and a name index. McConnell, John H. SHRINE CIRCUS: A History of the Mystic Shriners’ Yankee Circus in Egypt. Detroit, MI: Astley & Ricketts Limited, 1998. ISBN: 0—96360l9—2—X. For over ninety years Shrine Circuses have been entertaining crowds by bringing to almost every community outstanding circus performers such as the Flying Waliendas and animal trainer, Clyde Beatty to whom the book is dedicated. In the process, the shows have not only helped local Shrine organizations but have contributed millions of dollars over the decades to hospitals in this country. I especially like the tribute paid to this work by the celebrated historian, Fred D. Pfening III: ‘To a large portion of the American Public, there are two circuses: Ringling and the Shrine. The former has received a bookshelf’s worth of attention, the latter one article — until now. Mcconnell’s affectionate and rollicking history shines the laser beam of historical scholarship on this hugely important but little understood form of twentieth century circusing..” — Documented & indexed. Schechter, Joel. The Congress of Clowns and Other Russian Circus Acts.. San Francisco, CA: Kropotkin Club of San Francisco, AK Press, P. 0. Box 40682, San Francisco, CA 94140, 1998. ISBN not provided. (softbound)~ Joel Schechter is a Professor of Theater Arts at San Francisco University. This volume contains a number of essays, some of which have appeared in various publications.. He states that this collection on Russian clowns should not be considered a complete history of the subject.. Its selective reports and speculations on political clowning are based on his visits to Russian circuses and interviews with clowns over the past decade. - Political and satirical themes that may not appeal to some readers — 96 pages. Slout, William L. Olympians of the Sawdust Circle: A Biographical Dictionary of the Nineteenth Century American Circus. San Bernadino, CA: The Borgo Press, 1998. ISBN: 0-8095—0310—7. (softbound).. This entry in the Clipper Studies in the theater is another authoritative contribution by William Slout. He provides comprehensive encyclopedic coverage of American circus performers of an earlier era. A solid 340 pages, it is also available in hard cover. — A ‘must” for serious researchers. Thayer, Stuart and William L. Slout. GRAND ENTRÉE: The Birth of the Greatest Show on Earth 1870—1875. San Bernadino, CA: An Emeritus Enterprise Book, 1998, reissued in the year 2000. ISBN: 0—8095—1309—9. (softbound) This collaboration of two leading circus historians celebrates the introduction of P.. T.. Barnum into circus proprietorship. This six—year period encompasses Barnum’s important professional association with William Cameron Coup and Dan Casteilo who are credited for luring the great one out of semi—retirement. — Also available in hard cover.. Wilkins, Charles. The Circus at the Edge of the Earth: Travels with the Great Walienda Circus. Toronto, Ontario, CANADA: McClellan & Stewart, Inc., 1998. ISBN: 0—7710—88477. In this instance the title refers to the Wallenda Circus itinerary through Northern Ontario and the Plaines of Manitoba to The Pas, Thompson, and Fun Flon far into Northern Canada. Wilkins, the author or co-author of eight books, depicts almost 2,000 miles of travel in 1997 with the show owned by Ricky Wallenda, an injured survivor of two falls from the highwire. The jacket cover promises, ‘ A compelling weave of true—life narrative and sparkling portraiture... a literary as well as a documentary achievement.” Wojtowicz, James W The W. F. Cody BUFFALO BILL Collector’s Guide with Values. Paducah, KY: Collector Books, A Division of Schroeder Publishing Co.., Inc., 1998. ISBN: 1—57432—008—4. Don’t be put off by the fact this is targeted toward collectors of Wild West and Buffalo Bill memorabilia. I almost did not buy it for that reason.. This is not only a truly handsome volume, but it contains history, route sheets, exquisite posters, programs, and tons of astonishing items that you don’t have to be a collector to enjoy. The quality of reproduction is absolutely superb! — 270 8” X 10” pages. 1999 Bowbeer, Anne Auli. Felix Adler: King of Clowns. Clinton, IA: Clinton Publishing Company, Inc., Felix Adler Memorial Association, P. 0. Box 752, Clinton, IA 52733—0752, 1999. ISBN: not shown. (softbound). This 218-page volume is loaded! — A 21—chapter biography; a life chronology; ‘Felix on Radio and Television;” a special photo gallery provided by clown Timothy Noel Tegge; an enormous bibliography; notes; index, and 58 additional illustrations! It includes chapters on clowning and clown gags, animal performers, labor unrest, the disastrous Hartford, Connecticut fire, and The Greatest Show on Earth. — Also available in hard cover.. Wilpon, Bonnie. Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida: A Postcard History. Charlston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, An imprint of Tempus Publishing, Inc., 1999.. ISBN: 0—7385—0053—4. The interest here, of course, centers on the city and area made famous by the Ringlings. Long the winter quarters for the great circus, Sarasota remains the locale for the Ringling Circus Museum, the superb art collection, and the lovely home of John & Mable — Ca’D’Zan. Probably only three of the seven chapters will prove of interest to circus fans, but the postcard portrayals make this a worthwhile purchase. 2000 Anderson, Sherrell. Carousel Horses: A Photographic Celebration. London, England: PRC Publishing, Ltd./Courage Books, an imprint of Running Books Publishers, 2000. ISBN: 0-7624—0847—2. As with many carousel books, this one contains a stunning set of photographs within its 176 oversized 12” X 12” pages. It is also informative with chapters on carousel origins, their ‘golden age,” buying, restoring, carving, decline and resurgence plus three useful appendices. -, A handsome cover. Dahlinger, Fred Jr. Trains of the Circus 18 72—1956. Hudson, WI: Iconografix, 2000. ISBN: 1—58388—024—0.. (softbound) This volume, presented by the Circus World Museum, is much more than a set of striking, high—quality, black & white photographs. Author Fred Dahlinger, Jr., Director of CWM’s Robert Parkinson Library and Research Center, through his carefully constructed annotations informs us about picture content AND teaches us background history of circus trains. In the process we are exposed to transportation techniques, shows to which cars belonged, and a ‘behind—the—scenes” journey into a bygone era. While one might have wished for more photographs in color, the front cover by Shawn Glidden is a beauty! Dahlinger, Fred Jr. Show Trains of the ~ Century. Hudson, WI: Iconografix, 2000. ISBN: 1—58388—030—5. (softbound). The foregoing entry by Fred Dahlinger, Jr. and this one could be considered companion volumes presented by The Circus World Museum of Baraboo, Wisconsin. This book, with another colorful cover by Shawn Glidden, expands the topic to the broader area of Carnival Trains, Wild West Show Cars, Dog & Pony Show Cars, plus others. Ever a teacher, the author provides instructive annotations for each of its 120 high— quality B & W photos. King, Orin Copple. Only Big Show Coming. Philadelphia, PA: Xlibris Corporation, 2000. ISBN: 0—7388—2016—4. For those fortunate enough to have known Orin King, it is not an exaggeration to relate this work was truly ‘a labor of love.” Mr. King had long labored over its contents through his life long research which was regularly published in articles in Bandwagon, Journal of the Circus Historical Society. Following Orin’s death, his widow, Martha, worked diligently to bring us this enlarged version covering circus & Wild West performances in Kansas during the period 185.3—1878. — 448 pages, contains name index, and is available in soft cover. O’Nan, Stuart. The Circus Fire A True Story. New York: NY, Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc., 2000. ISBN: 0- 385—49684—2. Jim Foster, former editor of White Tops (official publication of the Circus Fans of America) is one of the most reliable reviewers of circus articles and books in this country. In describing O’Nan’s work he states: ‘A superbly written and absorbing book, admirably documented. This is a candid picture of humans at their best and their worst, and deserves a place on the shelves of any serious student of the American Circus.” This account of the overwhelming calamity of July 6, 1944 occurring to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus while showing in Hartford, Connecticut provides compelling reading. Slout, William L. A ROYAL COUPLING: The Historic Marriage of Barnum and Bailey. San Bernadino, CA: An Emeritus Enterprise Book, 2000. ISBN: not shown. (softbound). As with all books written by William L. Slout, this one is well documented with an extended set of notes, bibliography, and name index. It is dedicated to Stuart Thayer, his long time friend and co-author of Grand Entrée, which can be considered a companion work dealing with the origins of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. 2001 Canyon, David. DAN RICE The Most Famous Man You’ve Never Heard Of. New York, NY: Public Affairs, A member of the Perseus Books Group, 2001. ISBN: 1—891620—576. Doubtless, this volume will become the definitive biography of the great clown. Rice was certainly a controversial figure during a life in which he served many roles — minstrel song—and-dance man, Shakespearean jester, circus comedian, politician, and proprietor of his own circus, ‘Dan Rice’s Great Show.” This excellent history is over 500 pages, and contains a scholarly set of notes plus name & subject index. David Carlyon, a graduate of Clown College, toured three years with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He holds a Ph.D in Theatre from Northwestern University as well as a Berkeley Law Degree. Gustafson, Donna, et al. Images from the World Between: The Century in 2O~ Century American Art. Cambridge, MA, MIT Press, 2001.. ISBN: 0—262—07228—9. This is the most extraordinary book of circus art that I have seen. Its 184 large 9” X 11/2” pages incorporate more than ninety works, including paintings, photographs, posters, watercolors, sculptures, and other media. The artists present an amazing variety of form and feeling through color, as well as black & white reproductions.. The set of scholarly essays by Gustafson and her four colleagues provide a welcome complement to the art itself. Although this volume, completed under the auspices of the American Federation of Arts in New York City, is available in a softbound edition I strongly recommend the more endurable hardcover. Sugarman, Robert. Circus for Everyone: Circus Learning Around the World. Shaftsbury, VT: Mountainside Press, 2001. ISBN: 0— 9708693-0—4. (softbound) Robert Suganman is America’s foremost scholar of youth circus programs, and in this book makes a long overdue contribution to our understanding of this growing phenomenon. His prodigious research allows him to provide essential insights into circus schools, touring youth circuses, community circuses, circus camps, circus residencies, in— school programs, college circuses, and year—round independent circus programs. To these he adds several appendix—type offerings including excerpts from brochures and training manuals; a resource directory, international in scope; a glossary; a bibliography of books, magazines, and videos; endnotes and general index. I heartily endorse this work to anyone involved in teaching circus skills or developing a circus program for children of any age. 2002 Barth, Miles and Alan Siegel. Step Right This Way: The Photographs of Edward J. Kelty. New York, NY: Barnes & Noble Books, 2002. ISBN: 0—7607—3784—3. The photographs in this book represent a treasure of immeasurable value. In retrospect we can only imagine today the task assumed by Mr. Kelty as he lifted and carried his heavy, bulky camera and equipment from town to town throughout our country. The editors’ introductions and an essay by Edward Hoagland aptly frame the contents, but they would surely agree these unique images eloquently speak for themselves. Davis, Janet M. The Circus Age: Culture & Society under the American Big Top. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press, 2002. ISBN: 0—8078—5399—2. (softbound) Janet Davis is an Assistant Professor of American Studies and History at the University of Texas at Austin. Here she ties the emergence of the early twentieth century American railroad circus to broader historical change. Her cultural net embraces such developments as the rise of big business, feminist movements, United States overseas expansion, urbanization, and racial issues. But just as it was influenced by such phenomena, Davis argues the circus was a powerful force in shaping our nation’s identity. This fine addition to American cultural studies contains 36 illustrations, an impressive set of notes, an enormous bibliography, and a general index. — Also available in hard cover. Parkinson, Robert L. birectory of American Circuses: 1793— 2000. Baraboo, WI: Circus World Museum, 2002. ISBN: not shown. I doubt if any single volume in my library required more dedication and labor—intensive perseverance than this one. As his son, Greg Parkinson explains, his father worked on this volume for over 35 years, emerging from the author’ s affection for circus route books and just about anything else ‘Circus.” To be sure, this compilation is an important reference work, NOT an entertaining narrative. Its posthumous publication renders loving testimony to the person for whom the Circus World Museum’s Robert L. Parkinson Library & Research Center is named,. (Personal note: During my first research visit to the center, Mr. Parkinson endured my naiveté, as he so often had to explain details to a willing student. Among those, none was more essential than coming to understand the fluidity of circus titles and ownership. To this day I happily recall his smiling compliment as I departed for home. ‘Joe,” he said, ‘You have learned enough during these few weeks, I think we can now call you a ‘Tenth of May!”) Slout, William L. Chilly Billy: The Evolution of a Circus Millionaire. San Bernadino, CA: An Emeritus Enterprise Book, 2002. ISBN: not shown. In his introduction, the author writes, ‘This is a story about William Washington Cole, a circus man from birth. ..., Our study is confined to his sixteen years as proprietor of his solely owned circus, that grew from a modest beginning into one of the leading arenic organizations in the United States and earned him the reputation of an astute and fearless tactician and a prudent financial manager. He never had a losing season during those years...” A subsequent phase of Cole’s life is being prepared by other authors for a forthcoming book. As with all Slout works, this one comes with a complete set of notes, bibliography, and name index. 2003 Sloan, Mark. WILD, WEIRD, and WONDERFUL: The American Circus 1901-1927 — As Seen by F. W. Glasier, Photographer. New York, NY: The Quantuck Lane Press, A Project of the META Museum, Distributed by W. W. Norton & Company, 2003. ISBN: 0-9714548-4—1. In a contemporary world of color photography, it is easy to forget just how beautiful the black and white works of an earlier era can be,. From beginning to end of this astounding volume, memory easily returns through the lens of Fred Whitman Glasier. Frankly, I was amazed to learn Giasier never traveled with the circus! Although acquainted with such celebrated proprietors as the Ringlings, Barnum, Bailey, Forepaugh, and Sells, he confined his photography to circuses traveling through northern Massachusetts.. His documentation of these shows and performers during the first third of the twentieth century leaves us a bountiful. heritage. Timothy Tegge adds a concise, knowledgeable historical overview of the American Circus, focusing on the Glasier time frame. (Size: 10” X 11”). Addendum In limiting the foregoing section to history and reference works published from 1997 to the present, I omitted four books worthy of mention here. One was published in 1996; two are novels; and one is written in German. Each merits your consideration. Moses, L. G. Wild West Shows and the Images of American Indians: 1883-1933. Albuquerque, NM, University of New Mexico Press, 1996. ISBN: 0—8263—1685—9 A carefully researched book by a professor of history at Oklahoma State University. Strauss, Darin.. Chang and Eng. New York, NY: PLUME/Penguin Putnam, Inc., 2000. ISBN: 0—525—94512—1 (hard cover), 0—452— 2 8109—1 (softbound). A highly praised novel, which combines fact with fiction. Trow, M. J. LESTRADE and the Sawdust Ring. Washington, D.. C.: Regency Publishing, Inc./An Eagle Publishing Company, 2000. ISBN: 0-89526—245—2. This novel is volume 0 13 in the Lestrade Mystery Series, and is set in the year 1879. The young Detective—Sergeant has his task cut out for him as he investigates mysterious events at ‘Lord” George Sanger’s Circus. Amiet, Thomas and Peter J. Aebi. NOCK: Der Erste Schweizer Zirkus (The First Swiss Circus) . Switzerland: Druck and Verlag?, 2000?. ISBN: 3—952139—1-6. This biography of the famous Nock circus family is written in German, something I did not realize at the time of mail purchase. Nevertheless, it contains a fine set of photographs and a 9—generation family tree. An 11-page English insert accompanied my copy. A SUPPLEMENTARY LIST OF SELECTED REFERENCES Hundreds of books have been written on the circus or related subjects. Here ‘~é m’üst’limito~ar ëñtries to jUst a few of these. Although some have long been out of print, MANY SHOULD STLL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH A LARGER LIBRARY. For additional suggestions or leads, check the sources identified on the list following this one. ISBN numbers are provided for just the NEWER entries, 1990 and later. Albrecht, Ernest. The New American Circus. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 1995. ISBN: 0—8130—l364—X. I consider this exceptional book to be one of the most important works written on the circus during the past decade. Its unique subject matter deals with such “new’ shows as Big Apple, Circus, Flora, Pickle Family, and Cirque du Soliel. Also see Albrecht’s Spectacle entry on our page 29.. Ballantine, Bill. Clown Alley. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1982. Bradna, Fred (As told to Hartzell Spence). The Big Top: My Forty Years with The Greatest Show on Earth. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1952. Chindahl~ George L. A History of the American Circus. Caldwell, ID: The Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1959. Croft—Cooke, Ruper’t and Peter Coats.. Circus: A World History. New York: Macmillan, 1976.. Culhanç, .J~phn. ,~•The Ametidan CircustAn Jllustrated History. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1990. SBN:0—8050-0424-6. Durant, John and Alice Durant. Pictorial History of the American Circus. New York: A. S. Barnes and Company, 1957. Eckley, Wilton. The American Circus. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1984. Fenner, Mildred S. and Wolcott Fenner (editors). The Circus: Lure and Legend. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc., 1970. -— An interesting, useful collection of pictures, poems, and short prose compiled by the editors from many sources. Fox, Charles Philip (‘Chappie’). AMERICA’S GREAT CIRCUS PARADE... Its Roots.. .Its Revival.. .Its Revelry. Greendale, WI: Country Books, 1993. .ISBN:0~-8982l~-11L-5. This book received a very favorable review by Herbert B. Ueckert in The White Tops, Vol. 66, 0 5 (September/October l993):44, at which time it could be ordered for $12 plus $3.25 s&h by check or money order payable to The Great Circus Parade, Inc., 115 East Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202; or by major credit card, phone (414) 273~78!] 7. Ginn, David b Clown Magic. Colorado Springs, CD: Piccadilly Books, 1993~. Softcover.. ISBN: 0—941599—21—3. Hoh, LaVahn G. and William H. Rough. STEP RIGHT UP! The Adventure of CIRCUS in America. Whitehall, VA: Betterway Publications, Inc., 1990. ISBN:1—55870—140—0. These scholars provide insiqhtful information ai~d photographs, based on their pèr4onal interviews and research, not found elsewhere. Joys, Joanne Carol. The Wild Animal Trainer in America. Boulder, CO: Pruett Publishing Company, 1983. Kunhardt, Philip B. Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhar’dt. P. T. Barnum: America’s Greatest Showman. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. Inc., 1995. This remarkable 8” X 10” volume contains 358 pages plus over 500 illustrations, many of which are in color. It belongs in every Circus Fan’s library! Martin, John G., DVM. “Doc, My Tiger’s Got an Itch.’ Indianapolis, IN: Guild Press of Indiana, 1996. ISBN: 1-878208-87—X. This story details the life of a dedicated circus veterinarian from Kentucky who has traveled with many shows, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. May, Earl Chapin. The Circus from Rome to Ringling. New York, NY: Duffield and Green, 1932. -- Also in a 1963 Dover softcover edition. Ogden, Tom. Two -Hundred. Years of the American Circus: From Aba--Daba to th~Zdppe-Za~Yatta~TfoUp’e’ New York; NY’: Facts On File, Inc., 1993. ISBN:0—8160—261l—4. AN EXTRAORDINARY ADDITION TO THIS ROSTER, OGDEN’S ENCYCLOPEDIC WORK HAS BECOME AN ESSENTIAL REFERENCE for any circus fan or researcher. Over 400 pages, it contains a serviceable index and a lucid writing style. If you cannot obtain it through “normal channels,” write the publisher: Facts on File, 460 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016. -- an outstanding achievement! Pipkin, Turk. Be a Clown! The Complete Guide to Instant Clowning. Photographs by Walt Chrywski; Illustrations by Chris Reed. New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 1989. Softcover. ISBN: 0-89480—347—6. -- Cover contains a protruding small, usable, red plastic nose! Speaight, George. A History of the Circus. New York, NY: A. S. gat’nes’afld Cdmpafly, 198’O.’’’ ‘ ‘‘ ‘ , , . - Strand, Rod and Patti Strand. Tile HIJACKING of the HUMANE MOVEMENT. Wilsonville, Oregon: Doral Publishing, 1993. Softcover. ISBN: 0—944875—28—9. For those concerned with the issue of animal activism. Wiley, Jack. ~ç_Circus Skills. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1974. Wright, Barton; Photographs by Jerry Jacka. Clowns of_,t.~Hopi: Tradition Keepers and Delight Makers. Flafstaff, AZ: Northland Press, 1994. Softcover. ISBN: 0—67358—572—0. Barton Wright, a recognized authority on the Hopi Kachinas, has served as a director of scientific research at the San Diego Museum of Man and as a curator of the Museum of Northern Arizona. An excellent cross~cuitura1 reference on clowning; it is stunningly illustrated, SELECTED RESOURCES FOR TEACHING ABOUT THE CIRCUS fle C,jrcu~ - ~ A~ociatioh is. happy to supPl~r teachers with a list of sources where circus—theme education materials may be obtained,. Teachers also are welcome to borrow from the CFA library videotapes that cover a wide variety of circus subjects. Requests and inquiries should be addressed to: Robert Kitchen, CFA Education Committee Chairman 29 Damon St. Fall River, MA 02720—0388 Telephone: (508) 674—0230 Email: bobkitchen2@msn.com Occasional listings of RESOURCES & VIDEOS appear in The White Tops. Mr. Kitchen updates these periodically. NOTE: When contacting any of these, be cer-tain to provide ample time for response and possible mailing; order well in advance of your date of --ne-ed,. Nominal charges may be involved. The Big Apple Circus , - 505 Eighth Ave. 19th Floor New York, NY 10018-6560 Web site: www.bigapple.com Produced in conjunction with -the New York City School Dé~â±thent ôn’e’téabhii~’iihit’hds’b~’én aVailable ih the past for elementary level; another for secondary.. They include learning objectives and lesson plans-. Unique Sc detailed. Unfortunately, the previously listed Hertzberg Circus Collection in San Antonio, TX has been closed. Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center Circus World Museum 426 Water St. Baraboo, WI 53913 ‘THE CIRCUS’WORLb MTIS~UM flAg ~tbMg tHIS COUNflY~S MAJOR DEPOSITORY FOR CIRCUS-RELATED MATERIALS. Some 700 books plus teaching materials, films, and videos are available for loan. CWM is a ‘MUST-SEE” place for anyone in the vicinity of Baraboo. Allow yourself at least a half-day to enjoy the historic wagons, posters, memorabilia, gift shop, etc. HOWEVER, give yourself an entire day during the summer period, lasting from early May to mid-September, when live shows are presented. There is an entry fee. Try web site: www.circusworldmuseum.com. or 24—hr. toll free (866) 693—1500. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Education Department 8607 Westwood Cent,er Drive Vienna, VA 22182 Historically, Ringling has provided a variety of teaching materials, including units containing a host of ideas and materials for teachers; their principal program: Reading Is Fundamental.. If still available, for $20.00 you can obtain their Do-It-Yourself’Circu-s -Kit ‘(add-$S;OO s&h’)-which -is well worth that price. Also ask about their videotapes. NOTE, however, to some extent their previous programs have been superseded by moving to the “internet.” If you have such access, they invite you to “look for us in Cyberspace at www.Ringling.com In addition to the above, several other items might prove of interest. International Circus Hall of Fame P.O. Box 700 Peru, IN 46970 (765) 472—7553 Located 3 miles east of Peru on Indiana 124; this museum is housed in Indiana’s historic Circus Winter Quarters. It is open from May through October, with a shorter “Performance Season” from late June through Labor Day. Brochures, with a map, hours, and their very reasonable admission prices, ar’e available for the asking. - - Peru --is . also., known. for -. its. Circus .City Festival sponsorship of the nationally acclaimed Youth Circus featuring more than 200 youngsters in grade school through college. The circus presents performances each July in its own large downtown arena. Peru also has a downtown museum in the Circus Center at Seventh & Broadway, open weekdays in April through October. For more information, contact: Circus City Festival 154 N. Broadway Peru, IN 46970 (765) 472—3918 For, a “position .paper’ advocating the benefits, of circus to teaching and learning, see Rogers, Joseph W. and Suzanne M. Rogers, “Drawing Students and Parents In: Creativity and Community in the Classroom through the Magic of the Circus,” Education, Vol. 111, # 1 (Fall 1990): 90—99. This is a professional journal usually found in college or university libraries. A copy may be obtained from Mr. Kitchen, whose addfese issho*n abot’e.’ o±; wr’it’e ‘to me fdr’a fte~e ~hO’tOCopy. Also I have written a series of five short monographs which are available at no charge from Mr. Kitchen. These cover: (1) Clowns & Clowning; (2) Aerial Acts; (3) Circus Ground Acts; (4) Circus Animal Trainers; and (5) Youth Circus Programs. These monographs include a bibliography for each topic. Teachers and students will find them informative, even if a bit “dated.” Additionally, in June 2001 I compiled “An Annotated Listing of Circus Related Videotapes for Children, Parents, and Teachers” -- Yours to keep! Kathryn Christensen and associates have developed four detailed books loaded with creative activities and ideas: Let’s Be Circus Animals, Let’s Be Circus Stars, and Let’s Have A Circus (1990); and Put on a Circus For Fun and Fundraising Activities (1991). The set of three is directed primarily toward grades K-i; the last for any elementary grade. Write: Educational Book Distributors, Box 551, San Mateo, CA 94401. Without question1’the pEernier---U. -S~ circus historical periodical is BANDWAGON: The Journal of the Circus Historical Society, Inc. This is an “essential” for any serious student or researcher in this field, and is published six times a year with articles written by many distinguished scholars, including those cited above. Its longevity is indicated by relating that the January-February 2003 issue is numbered Vol. 47, No. 1. Edited and published over the decades by the dedicated Pfening family, themselves counted among the nation’s top circus historians, BANDWAGON and CHS membership come at an affordable rate of $34.00 per year in the United States; $39.00 per year outside the U. S. Write: Fred D. Pfening, Jr. Editor and Publisher BANDWAGON 1075 West Fifth Ave. Columbus, OH 43212—2691 We want to give a special plug for SPECTACLE -— A Quarterly Journal of the Circus Arts, which is just starting its sixth year. Founded and edited by English Professor Ernest Albrecht, author of The New American Circus and A Ringling by Any Other Name, this creative journal promises to “. ,.be intelligent, informative and lively, the rival of any circus publication in the world.” Its mission is to promote the artistry of circus both here and abroad. -- Well worth your subscribing. Regular 4—issue subscriptions cost $30.00, payable to: Circus Plus Publications Tel: (732) 247—7923 P. O. Box 1420 - Fäx: (732) 545-3302 Edison, NJ, 08818—1420 e mail: circusarts@AOL.com web site: www. spectaclemagazine .com Lastly, if you are not already a member of The Circus Fans Association of America (CFA), I want to urge you to join us. Please write: Cheryl Deptula, Secretary-Treasurer, 2704 Marshall Ave., Lorain, OH 44052—4315. Telephone: (440) 960— 2811. E—mail: deptulascircus@centurytel.net. She will send you a membership application showing the various membership classifications, or assist you with other CFA inquiries. The White Tops is automatically included with regular membership, which varies from a top of $35 in March or April €0 lower ambunts for other months. Once a subscriber, you will want to check WT advertisements and reviews for leads to expanding your library. For any comments or questions concerning ‘this’ annotated listing, please write Joe Rogers 306 Capri ARC Las Cnaces, New Mexico 88005—3730 Telephone (505) 524—3281 Email: joewrogers@zianet.com We’re on Mountain Time. YOURS FOR THE CIRCUS and CFA! JWR Email This Resource   Copyright © 1999-2015 Circus Fans Association of America and Authors. For more information view our  Copyright Policy & Privacy Policy .

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