The Circus

Like the circus, this magnificent volume offers a cavalcade of color and dynamism, dizzying the eye with photographs, posters, and reproductions of ephemera from the “living spectacle.” Drawing heavily on the holdings at the French National Library, Jacob—a circus scholar, historian, and director—contextualizes the stunning kaleidoscope of images, many of which have never been previously published, with an accessible overview of circus development ... Ideal for both scholars and aficionados of the circus, as well as those looking for a vibrant, engaging introduction to the form, this text moves from the circus's origins through its integrations with equestrian forms, to its triumph as a major mode of entertainment in the 1800s. Twentieth-century excursions include the Soviet circus, Chinese performers, Fellini’s fascination with circus through cinema, and circus arts schools of today ... [This] brilliant volume (rendered at times poetic by Augusta Dörr’s translation from French) will be appreciated by all, regardless of their background. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. * CHOICE *
The book is a wonderful romp through to the present day, richly illustrated with artworks, photographs, prints and posters, showing how this very particular form of entertainment continues to evolve. * Evening Standard *
The Circus: A Visual History is 'one to watch' in August 2018 * The Guardian *
The book is a beautiful object, brimming with archive images from the Bibliothèque nationale, it paints a world drenched in colours and filled with flying trapezes, leaping tigers and sumptuous costumes. Jacob's choice of illustrations proves that circus is above everything a visual art that constantly draws on tradition to reinvent itself... the book is a stunning and essential visual resource for anyone interested in the evolution of Western circus. * Times Literary Supplement *
A distinguished circus promoter and cultural historian, Jacob has donated his vast private collection to the French National Library. Most of the illustrations in this beautiful book — vibrant posters, architectural drawings of circus buildings and group photographic portraits of performers — come from there ... [Jacob] herds his facts like a ringmaster in a series of fabulous stories loosely held together by the arresting and colourful images. * The Spectator *
Spectators seated in circles stare up at trapeze artists who, as Pascal Jacob puts it in his new book, The Circus: A Visual History, re-enact the mythical flight of Icarus and hope to demonstrate that grounded human beings can enjoy the aerodynamic privileges of the gods. * The Observer *
Stunning circus sights: Tom King recommend a visual history of one of the oldest forms of entertainment… a hefty and vibrant collection of images depicting the age-old spectacle… Immediately apparent in Jacob’s book is that the circus has been infinitely adaptable, with space in its cavernous tent for an endless variety of people. * The Morning Star *
This book tells the story of both traditions, and it does so in impressive detail and with an infectious sense of fun. Examples tumble over each other like acrobats; big ideas are paraded around like elephants. * V&A Magazine *
A rich, visual feast of archival wonders. Prepare to be amazed by this impressive performance history. * National Fairground and Circus Archive *
The book has a 'mosaic effect', which Jacob also identifies as the defining trait of a circus performance. He herds his facts like a ringmaster in a series of fabulous stories loosely held together by the arresting and colourful images. * Oldie Magazine *
An important and compelling tale of the international history of the circus, full of enchanting images and wonderful stories. * Professor Vanessa Toulmin, University of Sheffield, UK *
With circus arts thriving and evolving internationally, the English-language publication of Jacob’s magnificent, authoritative survey is cause for celebration. * Dr Rolf Hughes, Newcastle University, UK *
This book tells the story of both traditions [permanent and travelling circuses], and it does so in impressive detail and with an infectious sense of fun... [Jacob offers] an evocative account of a popular art form that has an unmatched ability to snag in our senses. * Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, Professor of English Literature at Magdalen College, University of Oxford, UK *
Are you looking for a Christmas present for yourself or a loved one? Look no further... it is without doubt one of the best of the new publications worldwide to celebrate [the 250th anniversary of the modern circus]. The author... is a renowned circus expert, famous for his collaborative work with the Big Apple Circus of New York, the mighty Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey Circus and the French circus company Cirque Phenix... the book is printed on fine paper with exemplary hard overs and its 240 pages are jam-packed with circus history from around the world, along with a wealth of over 200 fine illustrations... Visually it is a sheer delight, and Augusta Dorr's translation into English from the original French is excellent... This is a formidable volume, well-worthy of your Christmas stocking wishlist. * Don Stacey, King Pole magazine (December 2018) *
The magic of the circus is captured in this stunning book, along with its evolution from the 13th century to present day Cultural historian Pascal Jacob has plundered the French National Library's archives to collate more than 200 artworks which chart a story of travelling entertainers, jugglers, acrobats, nomadic animal tamers and the iconic clown. The result is a visual feast you'll return to again and again. -- Katie Ekberg * The Australian Women's Weekly *