A review by maggiecarr
Battle for the Big Top: P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, John Ringling and the Death-Defying Saga of the American Circus by Les Standiford

4.0

Absolutely fascinating to read about the circus through the generations and lenses of some of the biggest names associated with it. Having just finished Violet & Daisy, part of the Vaudeville circuit, earlier this week, the similarities of scouting, organizing and mobilizing entire communities continues to amaze me. Though fire, money woes, and accidents plaque the subject, Les Standiford's writing offers readers the ability to visualize history perfectly due to his descriptions. My personal memories of the circus are completely reminiscent of the later chapters with using large established arenas rather than erected tents for visitors to be entertained.

"The trend in technology in recent years has been to push individuals into greater and greater electronic isolation. It seems safe to assume that in the future a sizable portion of our entertainment will come directly into our homes where we will view them as solitary pleasures. As a result, there will be fewer and fewer opportunities to come together with others to create a special group known as an audience." -Ernest Albrecht