Wild, Weird, and Wonderful: The American Circus 1901-1927 as seen by F. W. Glasier, Photographer
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.50 (704 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0971454841 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 128 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 0000-00-00 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Anyone interested in American cultural history will find that these 62 b&w photos reveal a great deal about how performers-often from a great diversity of backgrounds-comport themselves toward their art.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. . Sloan writes: "As a sustained document of circus life at this time, there is no known equivalent": "The Illeson Sisters, Acrobats" finds two child performers perched on large balls, hoisting the smallest (in a near perfect split) between them, with their prideful looks questioning the assumption of total exploitation; in "Sparks Circus, 1923," a clown, via barely perceptible wires, tows a skeleton behind him that seems to float as it mimics his movements; a group shot of a circus wedding party (the ceremony itself often "held in the center ring in front of the spectators during intermission") shows the participan
MARK SLOAN is the Director of the Halsey Gallery at the College of Charleston and the author of three other books.
These photographs, not seen for almost a century, show it all, from the pre-performance parades and tent raisings to the magical events under the "Big Top" and the train leaving town. Here, in both glory and grit, is the American circus during the most vibrant period in its history. We see performers hanging by their teeth and hanging out the laundry, and much in between. 75 duotone images.. Glasier's work was unique in many ways, not the least of which was the off-hand elegance he allowed his subjects, even the wonderful animals. Mark Sloan's discovery of Glasier's work is a true gift to circus lovers and all of us who care about our past. These truly remarkable images capture both the intensity of the routines and the spirit of camaraderie of the performers. This was the era of the big tents, and in these beautiful prints they appear as seductive, gossamer backdrops to the performers
James G. Mundie said Rare and beautiful photos from the backlot. Professional portrait photographer Fred Whitman Glasier maintained a studio in Brockton, Massachusetts. Glasier never traveled with a circus, but he did document every show that came through his neck of the woods during the first quarter of the twentieth century. Glasier became acquainted with many famous showmen, and provided prom. "When the circus was a thing" according to CMack. This is a great throwback on the circus life. Very helpful in some research I am working on in the genre. Book is beatuifully designed as well.. "Five Stars" according to Amazon Customer. Full of beautiful full page vintage photos