Thomas Frost

Circus Life and Circus Celebrities (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

Considering the national love of everything in which the horse plays a part, and the lasting popularity of circus entertainments in modern times, it seems strange that the equine amphitheatre should have been unknown in England until the close of the last century. That the Romans, during their occupation of the southern portion of our island, introduced the sports of the arena, in which chariot-racing varied the combats of the gladiators, and the fierce encounters of wild beasts, is shown by the remains of the Amphitheatre at Dorchester, and by records of the existence of similar structures near St Alban’s, and at Banbury and Caerleon. After the departure of the Romans, the amphitheatres which they had erected fell into disuse and decay; but at a later period they were appropriated to bull-baiting and bear-baiting, and the arena at Banbury was known as the bull-ring down to a comparatively recent period. An illumination of one of the Anglo-Saxon manuscripts in the Harleian collection shows one of these ancient amphitheatres, outside a town; there is a single musician in the arena, to whose music a man is dancing, while another performer exhibits a tame bear, which appears to be simulating sleep or death; the spectators are sitting or standing around, and one of them is applauding the performance in the modern manner, by clapping his hands.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Skyline
• Erscheinungstermin: 5. November 2017
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9788827511435
• Artikelnr.: 49792436

Autorenporträt

Thomas Frost (1821–1908) was a prolific English author, known for his works pertaining to the social history of Britain, with a particular focus on the less formal and more unconventional aspects of Victorian life. His literary contributions provide nuanced insights into the entertainments and popular culture of his time. One of his noteworthy books, 'Circus Life and Circus Celebrities' (1875), offers a captivating exploration of the circus milieu, delving into the lives of performers and the evolution of the circus industry. This work stands as a seminal text for both historians and enthusiasts of the performing arts, drawing readers into the colorful and often perilous world of the big top. Frost's writing style blends meticulous research with an engaging narrative, allowing a glimpse into the extraordinary experiences of circus entertainers who captivated audiences in the 19th century. His attention to detail and compassionate portrayal of these performers' lives contribute to a deeper understanding of the social dynamics of the period. Frost's repertoire of literary works serves as a valuable resource for studying the varied strata of Victorian society and the diverse forms of its popular culture.