Book
Battle for the big top : P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, John Ringling, and the death-defying saga of the American circus / Les Standiford.
"Millions have sat under the "big top," watching as trapeze artists glide and clowns entertain, but few know the captivating stories behind the men who shaped the circus. Battle for the Big Top is the untold story of the battles of the three circus kings--James Bailey, P.T. Barnum, and John Ringling--all vying for control of the vastly profitable and widely influential American Circus. New York Times bestselling author Les Standiford recreates a remarkable era when a community--without regard for gender, creed, or nationality--would be captivated by the spectacle created by three diversely talented individuals who transcended the ordinary. Ultimately, the rivalry of these three men resulted in the creation of an institution that would surpass all intentions and, for 147 years, hold a nation spellbound. Filled with details of their ever-evolving showmanship, business strategies, and personal magnetism, this Ragtime-like narrative will delight and enchant circus-lovers everywhere"-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9781541762282 (hardcover)
- Physical Description: x, 255 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 24 cm
- Publisher: New York : PublicAffairs, [2021]
- Copyright: ©2021
Content descriptions
| Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Formatted Contents Note: | World on fire -- Before the big top -- The periodic table of circus elements -- On American shores -- Pachyderm on the half shelf -- Readying for takeoff -- How they roll -- What's in a name -- Growing a stake -- Clash of the Titans -- A showman hits his stride -- First tour of duty -- Museum master -- General Tom -- Est arrive -- Riches to rags, and back again -- The circus comes calling -- Mr. B, meet Mr. B. -- On massive shoulders -- The greatest show -- Upstarts -- The coming men -- Punch and counter punch -- Building a Leviathan -- Terms of success -- The price of love -- Last man standing -- Patriarch of paradise -- The last race -- After the ball -- out of the ashes -- Rock and roll to the rescue -- What remains. |
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Bailey, James Anthony, 1847-1906. Barnum, P. T. (Phineas Taylor), 1810-1891. Ringling, John, 1866-1936. Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Combined Shows. Circus > United States > History. |
Available copies
- 1 of 1 copy available at Tsuga Consortium.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stroud Branch | 791.3092 Sta | 31681010239549 | NONFIC | Available | - |
Les Standiford is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including Last Train to Paradise, Meet You in Hell, and Bringing Adam Home. His book, The Man Who Invented Christmas, was a New York Times 'Editors' Choice' and was made into a feature film starring Christopher Plummer and Dan Stevens in 2018. He is a Professor of English and Founding Director of the Creative Writing Program at Florida International University and holds a MA and PhD in literature and creative writing from the University of Utah. He attended the US Air Force Academy and Columbia School of Law and is a former screenwriting fellow and graduate of the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He lives in Miami, Florida.
