Billy Smart was a successful fairground showman who began his New World Circus in 1946. It grew rapidly and became Britain's largest travelling show complete with over 100 animals and top circus acts from all over the world. This book contains a unique collection of photographs from archives and individual collections.

A history of the circus from its origins in the Roman times, through its establishment in Western Europe, and to the modern day circus—absolutely diverse and captivating Circuses have existed since Roman times, but centuries later, the circus world has never been more diverse and captivating, the global success of Cirque du Soleil testament to its enduring and universal appeal. Traditional family circuses for kids, arty cirque-style shows for adults, circuses in tents or in theaters, circuses with animals or without, cabaret-style hybrids on the burlesque circuit—this is an expert guide to their extraordinary history and culture. The circus requires a unique type of performer, people who blend the discipline of sports stars with the razzmatazz of showbiz; itinerant but clannish entertainers who have often had circus blood in their families for generations; world class gymnasts who risk death twice daily and help take down the big top afterwards. This history offers a journey into this unique world, each chapter an access-all-areas pass to a different circus, talking to the trapeze flyers, clowns, animal trainers, and showmen about their lives, work, families, customs, and traditions.

On March 22, 1991 after a 14-day trial in Rockingham County Superior Court, New Hampshire, my daughter Pamela Smart was wrongfully found guilty in the murder of her husband, Gregory Smart. She was convicted of being an accomplice to first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and witness tampering. Only 22 years old at the time, she was given a life without parole sentence. My daughter did not commit these crimes. I'm not saying this because she's my daughter, but there was no credible forensic evidence to prove she had any role in Gregory's murder. This trial spiraled into a media circus and the un-sequestered jury believed all the lies that the local news stations were saying about Pamela's role. Billy Flynn who testified at trial that he physically pulled the trigger, as well as testifying against Pamela at trial, he ended up pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 40 years to life, with the option to shave 12 years off if he behaved himself in prison. He was released in 2015. Flynn was 16 when he shot my 24-year-old son-in-law Gregory Smart to death, and accused Pamela of telling him to carry out this heinous act. Nicole's Kidman's portrayal of Pamela's life in the cult film "To Die For" is just one example of the way the media has exploited her pain, our family tragedy. I've bottled up my feelings for 30 years now and finally decided to release personal and revealing letters between Pamela and myself, to share with the public so people can see the truth behind all the lies. This is the first journal I am releasing. We have lots more to come.I will continue to fight for Pamela's freedom because she's innocent and has so much left of her life to offer society. I want her home before I die and will continue to file petitions to get the executive council of New Hampshire to free Pamela. This is my book. This is our story. This is what I live for.

This fascinating selection of more than 180 photographs traces some of the many ways in which Portsmouth has changed and developed over the last century.