The book she gave me is a reproduction pop up book which was printed in 1979, the original production of this book was printed in 1887! The book is a panoramic scene, the "book" folds out to create a circus tent with a different act in each section. The Frankfurter Journal reviewed the book in 1887 calling it:
"the most spectacular of Meggendorfer's surprises... a book that is certain to astound and delight everyone"
In the year we are celebrating 250 years of circus, it is great to go back and look at images of the original circus with it's classic big top.
The below images show some of the amazing and humorous illustration, with captions from the book. Enjoy!
"Miss Ella rides her stately horse while the clowns have trouble riding their Donkey."
"Mr Funtolo performs on his horse as he leaps over a flaming gate."
"The Bravo family show their graceful skill riding bareback on two horses"
"The sultans courier straddles his galloping horses"
"Clara Springel leaps and somersaults through a hoop"
