Circus Kings Our Ringling Family Story

Book excerpt: The Circus Kings, first published in 1960 and authored by a nephew of the original Ringling Brothers, is a fascinating insider's account of circus life and lore. From humble beginnings in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the Ringling family would go on to create “The Greatest Show on Earth,” delighting audiences across America. Along the way, however, were the behind-the-scenes financial struggles, tragedies such as fires and labor strikes, legal battles, and changing entertainment tastes. Henry Ringling North ran Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1936 to 1967, along with his older brother, John. Included are 18 pages of photographs. "Told in the first person with spirit, modesty, and almost stunning candor, . . . [North's] intimate documentary of a restless, quarreling, affectionate, often vulgar, innately genteel, greedy and generous, tricky but honest, vividly imaginative clan comes perilously close to being a tour de force. . . . A wonderful and worthwhile book."--New York Times Book Review "A fascinating, excellently written book for everyone, young or old, who has ever loved a circus."—Herald Tribune Book Review