BOOKS
about
CARNIVALS
Books listed below discuss carnivals and related subjects. Some
of them are devoted to specific owners or performers, while others
discuss the workers and/or touring aspect of carnival life. Some
dwell on permanent fairs, but since many have amusement rides
provided by a carnival company, they are included here.
For carnival rides, see Rides Books.
For additional Books
which may have some carnival information, go to the
Fairs Books Table of Contents.
THE FOLLOWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED
WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR ©
________
ALL THE FUN of THE FAIR (1992)
"A Pop-Up Book"
By Robert Crowther. This is a children's pop-up book centered
around a portable amusement park (carnival). Featured rides are
the slide, carousel, ferris wheel, Enterprise, bumper cars,
Zipper, Round-Up, bobsled, and a roller coaster than ends up as
a flume ride with a splash down at the end! *(There are many
moving and pull-out sections to please park buffs of all ages.)
Published by:
Walker Books Limited Candlewick Press
London England 2067 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140
ISBN: 1-56402-001-0 U.S.A.
Price: $18.95 (Cdn Funds)
________
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR: ( ? )
By ? This book has something to do with The Showmen's Guild in
England. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
ANNALS OF THE FIREBREATHER (1973)
By Marcel Horne. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
P. Martin Associates
Toronto, Canada
ISBN: 0887780644
Price:
________
CARNIVAL (1970)
By Arthur Lewis. Details the traveling carnival and the live
acts that once toured with it. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Trident Press
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
________
CARNIVAL GAMES AND HOW THEY WORK (1997)
By Danny Gowler. This book describes carnival games and then
goes on to show how they are set up to make it difficult to
win. Has full-size practice artwork. *(Not reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
THE CARNIVAL PLANNING GUIDE (1974)
By Donna Boyer. Discusses how to setup and run a carnival.
Apparently there is a 2001 update available. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Boyer Public Relations
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
________
CARNIVAL SECRETS (1993)
By Matthew Gryczan. Details ways to win carnival games.
*(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Piccadilly Books
Colorado Springs, Colarado
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
________
CARNIVAL TIME (1992)
By Vivian Sathre. Describes the sights and sounds of a
carnival. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Simon & Schuster
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
________
CIRCUS & CARNIVAL TRUCKS 1923 - 2000 (2001)
By Bill Rhodes. Details trucks used to haul circus machinery
and carnival rides. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Iconografix
Hudson, Wisconsin
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
________
C.W. PARKER, THE CARNIVAL KING (1988)
By ? 75 pages. *(Not Reviewed.) Book suggested by Victor
Canfield of Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Published By:
Midway Museum Publications
Nashua, New Hampshire
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price
________
DIRECTORY OF NORTH AMERICAN FAIRS, FESTIVALS,
AND EXPOSITIONS (2000)
This is an Amusement Business publication listing almost
5,000 of the above. Note that although the title says "North
America", only fairs in The United States and Canada are
shown. It is renewed every year. Contains dates, booking
information, demographics and other details. (Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Amusement Business
Amusement Business
(800) 407-6874
ISBN:
Price: $65 (U.S. Funds)
________
EVERYBODY'S FAVOURITE! (19 )
By Roger Mills. The book is devoted to the family of Bob
Edwards who have been in the British carnival business since
the 1890s. Many of their early rides are profiled including
some that have survived to this day. Also included are
various antique rides by Orton & Spooner, and signs by artists
such as Charles Gaze & Arnold Hood, A S & Sid Howell, Fred
Fowle, and Edwin & Billy Hall. The book lists travelling
itineraries and illustrated descriptions of all amusements
and transport vehicles operated by their company.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By: Order From: Fairground Heritage Trust
64 The Curlews
Verwood, Dorset
ISBN: England
BH31 6NH
Price: 8.50 (U.K. Currency)
________
FAIRFIELD FOLK (1986)
By Francis Brown. This book concentrates on the people and
families as we follow their careers in the fair business.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Malvern Publishing Company
England
ISBN: ISBN 0 947993 24 X
Price:
________
THE FAIRGROUND ALBUM (19 )
By Malcolm Slater. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Slater Photo Sales & Publishing
7 Malvern Close
Huntington, Yorkshire
England
YO3 9RP
ISBN: ISBN 1 87139 02 0
Price:
________
FAIRGROUND AND CIRCUS TRANSPORT ( )
By Malcolm Slater. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: 10.95 (U.K. Funds)
________
FAIRGROUND ARCHITECTURE: (1968)
"The World of Amusement Parks, Carnivals, and Fairs"
By David Braithwaite. Looks at the attractions and exhibits.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Hugh Evelyn
9 Fitzroy Square
London, W1
England
ISBN: ISBN 238 789985
Price:
________
FAIRGROUND ART (1985)
By Geoff Weedon and Richard Ward. Although primarily concerned
with carousels, this large book covers all aspects of
amusement park art, including sideshow banners, orchestrions,
band organs and carnival rides. *(The carousel coverage is
especially complete, dealing with German "karuselles," English
roundabouts, the famous Coney Island Steeplechase horse race
ride, racing derbies, and so on. All major American carousel
manufacturers are also covered in detail. A fine book.) Book
suggestion and review courtesy of Seth Briliant, Atlantic City.
New Jersey, U.S.A.
Published by: Price: $95 (U.S. Funds)
Abbeville Press (May now be found for
505 Park Avenue $30 - $45 U.S.)
New York, New York
U.S.A
ISBN: 0-89659-529-3
________
FAIRGROUND ART FORMS OF TRAVELLING FAIRS, CAROUSELS,
AND CARNIVAL MIDWAYS (1981)
By Geoff Weedon and Richard Ward. Likely the same book as
above.
Published By:
White Mouse Editions
London, England
ISBN:
Price:
________
FAIRGROUND ENGINES IN FOCUS ( ?? )
By John Crawley. We assume this to be a book on power sources
for fairground rides and lighting. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
John Crawley
Field House
Turvey, Bedfordshire
England
MK43 8DU
ISBN: 09508036 1 4
Price:
________
FAIRGROUND STEAM ( ?? )
By Anthony Beaumont. We assume this to be a look at steam-
operated rides and calliopes. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Model & Allied Publications
13/35 Bridge Street
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
England
ISBN:
Price:
________
FAIRS AND REVELS ( ?? )
By Brian Jewell. This book gives a history of fairs, dwelling
mostly on the oldest ones, with some on rides and
contemporary shows. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Midas Books
12 Dene Way
Speldhurst
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
England
TN3 0NX
ISBN: 0 85936 068 7
Price:
________
FREAK SHOW (1996)
By Don Whittington. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Avon Camelot
ISBN:
Price:
________
FREAK SHOW (1988)
"Presenting Human Oddities For Amusement And Profit"
By Robert Bogdan. *(Not Reviewed.) A 1990 paperback edition
is also available.
Published By:
University of Chicago Press
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
ISBN: 0226063119
Price:
________
FREAK SHOW (1996)
"Sideshow Banner Art"
By Carl Hammer. Shows 90 full-colour banners from the heyday
of the sideshow from 1900 to the 1950s. Included "freaks of
nature," incredible transformations, and death-defying acts.
*(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN: 081180707X
Price: $14.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
GIRL SHOW (1981)
"Into the Canvas World of Bump and Grind"
By Stencell, A.W. Covers show girls from world's fairs
through the travelling burlesque shows that were the
forerunners to today's strip clubs. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ECW Press
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
ISBN:
Price:
________
HISTORY OF THE SHOWMEN'S GUILD (19 )
By Thomas Murphy. The story of the famous organization.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
World's Fair Limited
2 Daltry Street
Oldham, England
ISBN:
Price:
________
HOW I BECAME A FREAK (1998)
"Choose Your Own Nightmare"
By Rick Brightfield. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $24.95(U.S. Funds)
________
INSIDE THE LIVE REPTILE TENT: (2001)
"The Twilight World of the Carnival Midway"
By Jeffrey Brouws and Bruce Caron. Has many colour and black
and white photos of amusement rides ove the years.
*(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
IT'S ALL DONE WITH MIRRORS (1977)
" A Story of Canadian Carnival Life"
By Hazel Elves. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Sono Nis Press
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
ISBN:
Price:
________
THE JAMES E.STRATES SHOW: (2003)
"A Pictorial History"
By ? *(Not Reviewed.) Book suggested by Victor Canfield
of Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
JUMP ON, JUMP ON (19 )
"Traditional Fairs and Showmen"
By Brian Steptoe. This details fairground rides and their
designers/builders. Also profiled are some of the carny
families. With 73 color illustrations. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
?
Order From:
Jumper Books
99 McCarthy Way
Wokingham, Berkshire
RG40 4UB
England
ISBN: 0 902830 33 3
Price: 19.95 (UK Currency)
________
PICTORIAL HISTORY OF CETLIN & WILSON SHOWS (1987)
By ? 79 pages. *(Not Reviewed.) Book suggested by Victor
Canfield of Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Published By:
Midway Museum Publications
Nashua, New Hampshire
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price
________
A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN CARNIVAL (1972) and (1981)
By Joe McKennon. This is a three-book series. The first two
detail the very early times. The 1981 book starts with a
discussion of world's fairs and in particular the 1893 fair in
Chicago. It then discusses various early carnival operations
leading up to today. The book has a list of American carnival
operators. *(Recommended. There are lots of pictures and
descriptions of early rides & setups, including some Canadian
ones, such as the CNE. many carnival operators are discussed
in detail.)
Published By:
Carnival Publishers
Sarasota, Florida
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price
________
PLEASURELANDS (2003)
By Vanessa Toulmin. This is a collection of four essays about
the tradition of travelling fairs and how they influence
popular culture. Has 100 black & white photographs, and a
16-page colour layout. *(Not Reviewed).
Published By:
The Projection Box
ISBN:
Price: 10.00 (UK Funds)
________
REMEMBERING THE WORLD OF MIRTH SHOWS (1984)
By ? 144 pages. May also be known as "World of Mirth Shows:
Largest Midway on Earth : A Remembrance". *(Not Reviewed).
Book suggested by Victor Canfield of Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Published By:
Greenhills Books
Randolph Center,
Vermont, U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
________
ROUNDABOUT PEOPLE (19 )
By Brian Steptoe. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
ROYAL AMERICAN SHOWS (19 )
"A Pictorial History"
By Bob Goldsack. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
THE SECRETS OF AMUSEMENT PARK GAMES...REVEALED (1999)
By Brian Richardson. Brian describes many carnival games
including Ball-Rolling ones, BB Gun Star Shootout, Milk Can
Knock-Down, Water Gun Race Games, and many others. He then
gives tips and techniques that will help one to win. Also
discussed, are games from which to stay away. In addition,
he lists his 20 favourite rollercoasters. *(Not reviewed.)
Published By:
Silver Star Publishing
ISBN: 0966965906
Price: $4.50 (U.S.Funds)
________
STEP RIGHT UP (1951)
By Daniel Mannix. This is a book about carnival side shows
and the author's experiences with a number of their performers.
Each chapter deals with a specific display or performer such
as fire eating, a two-headed baby, flea circus, snake
charmers, mentalists, etc. *(This would be of interest only to
those performers and fans of old-style side shows, which are
a dying breed.)
Published By:
Harper
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price: 19.99 (U.K. Funds)
________
THOSE WONDERFUL, COLORFUL & EXCITING CARNIVAL TRAINS (1991)
By Bob Goldsack and Robert Goldsack. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Midway Museum Publications
Nashua, New Hampshire
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price: $24.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
THE TRAVELLING FAIR ( )
By Malcolm Slater. A photographic look at carnival and circus
transport in The U.K. It is organised as an alphabetical
reference from AEC to Volvo. There is a also section on crew
quarters vehicles. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: 16.95 (U.K. Funds)
________
TRUCKS IN BRITAIN ( )
"Fairground Transport"
By Malcolm Slater. This is the second of a two-book series.
*(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: 8.95 (U.K. Funds)
________
WILD MOUSE (1999)
By Derek McCormack and Chris Chambers. This book is one that
would not ordinarily be shown here, as fictional books are
not part of the CEC book lists. It contains short stories set
during The Depression and poems set from 1972 through 1997 which
revisit carnivals, sites of childhood fantasies, adolescent
longings and adult nostalgia. It's included here because there
are 18 rare Canadian National Exhibition archival photographs
included. *(Not Reviewed.) Book suggested by Victor Canfield of
Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Published By:
Pedlar Press
Station P
Box 26
Toronto, ON
M5S 2S6
ISBN: 0-968I884-4-3
Price:
Return to the
Master Book Reference
Table of Contents
