FATHER OF THE MODERN CIRCUS: Billy Buttons

The circus is a very British institution, and its imagery is everywhere from brightly coloured circus posters to advertising motifs, seen in films, toys and games and in our language - juggling the finances, walking a fine wire, clowning around, and putting one's head into the lion's jaw. The brightly coloured big top and razzmatazz are very much an American import. The whole 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, 250 years ago plus, in April 1768. He pegged out a circular ride on the banks of the River Thames and gave performances of trick riding to a paying audience. An accomplished horseman, military hero and instinctive showman, above all Astley was an entrepreneur who realised that people would pay good money to be entertained and 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 book goes back to his early days as an apprentice cabinetmaker and his military exploits in the 15th Dragoons, to his trials and tribulations of establishing himself as a respected performer and his international successes in France and Ireland. He truly was a larger-than-life figure. Includes quotes from newspapers and letters of the time. 126pp, paperback.