Father of the modern circus 'Billy Buttons'
Ward, Steve2018
Book
Total copies: 1
The world of the circus has a long and colourful history but it was with a man named Philip Astley that the 'modern' circus was founded. It was 250 years ago, in April 1768, that Astley pegged out a circular ride on the banks of the river Thames and gave performances of trick riding to a paying audience. Trick riding was nothing new, so what made Astley so popular? He was an accomplished horseman, a military hero and an instinctive showman. Above all, he was an entrepreneur who realised that people would pay good money to be entertained - and to be entertained well. He created the comic character of Billy Buttons, and other acts were added to his performances: clowns, rope dancers, tumblers and strongmen. The circus, as we might recognise it today, was born.
Main title:
Father of the modern circus 'Billy Buttons' / Steve Ward.
Author:
Imprint:
Barnsley, South Yorkshire : Pen & Sword History, 2018.
Collation:
128 pages ; 24 cm.
ISBN:
9781526706874 (pbk)1526706873 (pbk)
Dewey class:
B AST
LC class:
GV1811
Language:
English
Subject:
BRN:
330137