Circus and Sideshow in the Long Nineteenth Century: A Documentary History
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- ISBN 9781032454955
- Dimensions: 156 x 234mm
- Publication Date: 29 Jun 2026
- Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Hardback
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This is a history of circus clowning in the long nineteenth century, told through original documents. It demonstrates how particular types, acts and stunts originated, were performed and underwent variation over time. The equestrian and acrobatic clown, the august and the eccentric all receive attention. This constitutes a genealogy or “gagography” of clowning, told through eye-witness accounts, memoirs, contemporary reportage and interviews, accompanied by commentary and annotation. The coverage is international, moving beyond the anglophone world via translations from French, German, Swedish, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese sources. Although it covers the “usual suspects” from Ducrow to Grock, this book introduces the reader to many important and overlooked clowns.
Matthew McMahan is assistant professor of comedic studies at Emerson College, where he teaches the history and theory of comedy. He is the author of Border-Crossing and Comedy at the Théâtre Italien, 1716-1723 (Palgrave Macmillan), and numerous articles and reviews on vaudeville, clowning, farce, and French theatre.
Laurence Senelick is Fletcher Professor Emeritus of Drama and Oratory, Tufts University, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. For many years he served as an adjudicator of the International Mime & Movement Festival in Philadelphia. He has published many books and articles on popular entertainment.
