A lavishly illustrated look at the world of fairground transport.

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.

The days of the fairground operating with steam traction engines have long since gone - the next vehicles to enter the tobers were the internal combustion engine, lorries with both petrol and diesel engines being used. As time went on these old vehicles were brought up to date, and today scene includes modern high-powered lorries, some in articulated form, to cope with the ever increasing demands of sophisticated trailer-mounted loads and greater distances to travel.With a wealth of rare and previously unpublished images, Carl Johnson offers a fascinating record of fairground lorries.

The photographic account of fairground transport in Britain. Stunningly designed and beautifully photographed, the book includes the authors own photographic collection and fairground vehicle enthusiasts collections, including several archival photos.

Outlines of the makers of vintage fairground rides, five first-hand family histories, best examples illustrated of rides, sidestalls, living vans and transport