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To both young and old, the circus remains an icon of American entertainment, a wholesome pastime untouched by the passing years. But the modern circus, with its three rings, ringmaster, animals, and acrobats, is the product of nearly three hundred years of evolution. This intriguing work chronicles the history of the American circus from its roots in England through its importation to America to the end of the nineteenth century. It introduces the early pioneers of the circus, addresses business concerns such as management and training, and discusses the development of the show itself, including the incorporation of menageries, the need for animal training and care, the addition of circus music, the use of the tent, and the unique attractions of side shows and "freaks." Personal stories of those who made their lives under the "big top" are woven throughout the narrative, adding an intimate perspective to one of America's most enduring entertainments.

Cover -- Table of Contents -- Preface -- 1. When the Circus Became a Circus -- 2. The Circus Comes to Town -- 3. Competition in the Riding School/ Amphitheatre/Circus -- 4. The Evolving Circus -- 5. Getting Away from the "Circus" -- 6. The Circus Comes to America -- 7. The Century of the Circus -- 8. Equestrian Drama Finds a Home -- 9. "In the Rude State of Nature" -- 10. The Circus Tent -- 11. "Horrible: A Man Devoured by Tigers" -- 12. The Era of P.T. Barnum and the "Great Lion Tamer" -- 13. Variety, Novelty and Splendor -- 14. A Small Field of Competition -- 15. "A Regular Out-and-Outer" -- 16. "Gulling" the "Dear People" -- 17. Circuses and Menageries in the Civil War Era -- 18. Everything's Hunkidori -- 19. Sawdust and Spangles -- 20. "Fully in Keeping with the Present Age" -- 21. Privilegers, Flash Folk, Fakirs and Bunco Men -- 22. The Original Monster Makers -- 23. Canvassing the Landscape -- 24. The Allurement of Sawdust and Tights -- 25. The State of the Circus -- 26. "A Little World in Itself " -- Glossary -- Chapter Notes -- Bibliography -- Index.