From Barnum & Bailey to Feld

Ernest Albrecht is the editor/publisher of Spectacle, now a free, online magazine devoted to reviews and features of the contemporary circus. He is also the author of three previous books related to circus history.

“bold illustrations...clear and informative...Albrecht’s account balances readability with citations of primary sources that scholars will appreciate”—Library Journal; “fascinating...highly recommended”—Choice; “eminently readable, the book is filled with details that bring the history alive. Insightful and revealing, this volume is a must for circus enthusiasts of all stripes, masterfully balancing meticulous documentation of a mammoth commercial enterprise with critical evaluation of the unique personalities that held the reigns of power”—The White Tops; “an erudite examination of America’s most enduring entertainment empire. Eminently readable, the book is filled with details that bring the history alive. Both serious circus historians and casual readers will be rewarded with surprises throughout. Insightful and revealing, this volume is a must for circus enthusiasts of all stripes, masterfully balancing meticulous documentation of a mammoth commercial enterprise with critical evaluation of the unique personalities that held the reigns of power”—Circus Verlag / Planet Circus; “It’s the rare combination of a good read and a carefully researched treatise on a rarely explored subject and will be a welcome addition to any circus library”—Circus Report and ShowBiz USA; “from extensive research and from his own impressions form the 1940s, his book contains a wealth of information on the artistic creation of the show...an astonishing read”—King Pole.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgments delete viiPreface delete 1Introduction delete 3One. Before There Was Bailey (1871–1880) delete 5Two. Barnum & Bailey (1881–1891) delete 14Three. Bailey Stands Alone (1892–1906) delete 35Four. Enter the Ringlings (1907–1918) delete 57Five. Combined Shows (1919–1932) delete 73Six. Sam Gumpertz: The Man from Dreamland (1933–1937) delete 106Seven. John Ringling North’s First Try (1938–1942) delete 121Eight. Robert Ringling, “a true Ringling son” (1943–1946) delete 139Between pages 150 and 151 are 8 plates containing 15 reproductionsNine. John Ringling North and 51 Percent (1947–1967) delete 151Ten. New Blood: Irvin and Kenneth Feld (1967–1984) delete 177Eleven. Kenneth Feld Looks to the Future (1985–2003) delete 203Twelve. The New Circus: A Sister Act (2004–2010) delete 238Notes delete 263Bibliography delete 275Index delete 281