BOOKS
on the
GENERAL SUBJECT
of
EXHIBITIONS
Books here give an overview of exhibitions other than world's fairs. Some are devoted to specific fairs, while others discuss the impact of these presentations on history, society, architecture, technology, etc. Note that some do discuss world's fairs but they are not the main subject.
For books on World's Fairs, go to the main Fairs Books table of contents.
See also: Videos and The CEC Midway Exhibition Grounds.
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AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION (1980)
By (No Author Credited). This gives the general regulations and prize
list for The Agricultural & Industrial Exhibition held at Agricultural
and Industrial Exhibition held at Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada from
September 30th through October 4th 1878.
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION (1980)
By (No Author Credited). This gives the general regulations and prize
list for The Agricultural & Industrial Exhibition held at Kentville,
Nova Scotia September 28th through October 1st, 1880. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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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:
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ALL THE WORLD'S A FAIR: (1984 and/or 87)
"Visions of Empire at American
Expositions, 1876-1916"
By Robert W. Rydell, *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226732401
Price: $20.00
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THE AMERICAN STATE FAIR (2001)
By Derek Nelson. This discusses the county-type of fairs as
produced in the United States. It includes a history, contests
for best animals, vegetables, and pies; the tractor pulls; public
attractions such as balloon ascensions, train wrecks, car
races, etc; sideshows; amusement rides; fair food; even the "cooch"
(girlie) shows. 100 photos. *(This book includes a nice chapter on
midways, with photos of carousels and some flat rides. State fairs
were in many ways the predecessors of amusement parks in America.
Another volume from the MBI series, with good text and great
production values.) Book suggestion and review courtesy of Seth
Briliant of Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Published By:
MBI Publishing
ISBN: 0760306567
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
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AS PRESENTED AT INDUSTRIAL FAIR, TORONTO, 1886 (1886)
By (No Author Credited). Presumably an overview of the exhibits
of the 1886 CNE. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
S.l.
ISBN:
Price:
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BECOMING MODERN IN TORONTO (1997)
"The Industrial Exhibition and the Shaping of a Late Victorian Culture"
By Keith Walden. This profiles The Canadian National Exhibition's
early years as The Toronto Exhibition (1879 - 1903) with an eye
toward social attitudes. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
University ofToronto Press
ISBN: 0-8020-0885-2
Price:
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BLUE RIBBON: (1990)
"A Social; and Pictorial History
of the Minnesota State Fair"
By Karal Marling. *(Not Revieded.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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BOOKS OF THE FAIRS (1990)
By Robert Rydell. This was part of a Smithsonian project and lists
books, manuscripts, and pamphlets in their collection. It covers fairs
from 1834 - 1915. Besides the bibliographical information, Rydell
traces the evolution of fairs and discusses their history. *(Not
Reviewed.)
Published By:
Research Publications
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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BRITISH FAIRGROUND (!97?)
"A Photographic History"
By Susanne Thackray. Gives a history of British fairs from the 1800's
through to the 1960's. Many photographs included. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Encompass Press
45 The Street
Aylmerton, Norwich
England
NR11 8AA
ISBN: 1 897924 03 8
Price:
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CALIFORNIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION ( ?? )
*(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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CANADIAN COMPANIES AT INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIRS (1996)
By Philip J. Rosson and F.H. Rolf Seringhaus. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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CANADA'S GREAT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION (1981)
By Joseph H. Stiles. This fair was held in 1896 from May 24th to
October 31st. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION ( ? )
By (No Author Credited). This is a catalog of the fair held in 1886.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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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)
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DOIN' THE PUYALLUP (1991)
By ? A book about The Western Washington Fair from 1900 onwards.
Shows the Bollinger family and the rides including the coaster,
carousel, and "Old Mill".
*(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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DOMINION EXHIBITION (1980)
By (No Author Credited). This gives a prize list awarded at The
Dominion Exhibition under the auspices of the Agricultural & Arts
Association of Ontario. This fair was held in Ottawa, from September
22nd, through the 27th, 1879. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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DOMINION EXHIBITION (1980)
By (No Author Credited). This book gives the prize list and general
regulations of the third annual agricultural, industrial, and
mechanical exhibition of the Dominion of Canada. It was held in
Halifax, Nova Scotia at the Royal Exhibition Building and Grounds
(then situated between Tower Road and Robie Street), from September
21st to the 30th, 1881. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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DOMINION EXHIBITION (1980)
By (No Author Credited). This shows a classified alphabetical list of
exhibitors and exhibits at the Dominion Exhibition held in Halifax,
Nova Scotia in 1881. It includes a map and guide to city. *(Not
Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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ENGLISH FAIRS (1975)
By Ian Starsmore. This book gives a good history with photos,
including rides. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Thames & Hudson
30 Bloomsbury Street
London, England
WC1B 3QP
ISBN: 0 500 27070 8
Price:
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THE EX (1973)
"A Picture History of The Canadian National Exhibition"
By James Lorimer. This short (136 pages) book starts by giving a brief
history of fairs in and around Toronto leading up to a permanent
Toronto Exhibition as The CNE was first called. It then goes on to
display pictures with captions that describe the Ex's buildings and
attractions over the years with most attention given to the
architecture of the various buildings that have come and gone, and
those that have been extensively modified. A chapter is devoted to the
proposed changes that the directors wanted to exact brought on by an
unfavourable comparison to Expo 67. The final chapter is an opinion by
the author on those changes, where the CNE is heading, and what he
feels is wrong with that direction. *(Being a short book, not all
subjects are well detailed and there are things not covered. However,
the pictures and maps do give a pretty good overview of The EX
throughout the years. Amusement ride fans should be aware that little
is given here about the midway save for a few pictures of The "Scenic
Auto Dip" & "Royal Ascot Racer" coasters, an early ferris wheel, and
some overall shots of the midway from the 1910's through the 1960's.)
THE EX
(Continued)
Published By:
James Lewis & Samuel Publishers
Egerton Ryerson Memorial Building
35 Britain Street
Toronto, Ontario
ISBN: 0-88862-054-3
Price:
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EXPOSITIONS, EXHIBITS, INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE FAIRS (1968)
By Wolfgang Clasen. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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FAIRFIELD FOLK (1986)
By Francis Brown. This book concentrates on the people & 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:
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A FAIR FIGHT (19 )
"An Illustrated Review of Boxing on British Fairgrounds"
By Vanessa Toulmin. This reviews the history, the people involved
and the life they led. Showmen families in the field are
documented along with photographs. Also discussed are women who
competed, sometimes against men. Finally, the decline is shown after
controls were introduced coupled with the difficulty in locating
suitable boxers. *(Not Reviewed.) Thanks to Robert Currey of Oldham,
Lancashire, England for the book suggestion.
Published By:
World's Fair Publications
2 Daltry Street
Oldham, UK
OL1 4BB
ISBN: 0 9501414 4 5
Price: 12.95 (UK Funds)
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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:
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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:
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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 of the 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
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FAIRGROUND ART FORMS OF TRAVELING 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:
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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:
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FAIRGROUND HERITAGE ( ?? )
By Peter Wilkes. There are 2 books in the series. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Trent Valley Publications
Dalebrook Road
Winshill, Burton-On-Trent
England
DE15 0AD
ISBN: Book 1: 0948131 24 1
Book 2: 0948131 28 4
Price:
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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:
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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:
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FAIRS, PAST AND PRESENT: (1883)
"A Chapter in the History of Commerce"
By Cornelius Walford. *(Not Reviewed.)
Reprinted in 1968 By:
A.M. Kelly
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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GOING TO THE FAIR (1993)
(Turn of the Century)
By Gill Tanner and Sheila Jackson(Illustrator). *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $14.95 (U.S. Funds)
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THE GREAT AMERICAN FAIR (1984)
By Reid Badger. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Nelson hall Publishers
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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THE GREAT EXHIBITIONS (1977)
By John Allwood. Discusses over 70 fairs up to Expo 70, with many
photos. Lists all fairs with statistical information. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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HISTORIC FAIRGROUND SCENES (1977)
By Michael Ware. A picture book showing scenes from fairs of olde.
Shows the side shows and rides, plus other attractions.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Moorland Publishing Company
England
ISBN: ISBN 0903485 33 8
Price:
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HISTORY OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS: (1939)
"Their Classifications, Functions, and Values"
By H. Waters. After a short history, Waters discusses promotion and
organization of all types of fairs. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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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:
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HULL FAIR - FUN FOR ALL (19 )
"An Illustrated history of Hull Fair in the 20th Century"
By Vanessa Toulmin. Details the fair from its beginnings, through
location changes, to the present day. Many photographs show the fair,
its rides, side shows, boxing events, and waxworks. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
World's Fair Publications
2 Daltry Street
Oldham, UK
OL1 4BB
ISBN:
Price:
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INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO EXHIBITION (1981)
By (No Author Credited). Gives a list of premiums, and rules &
regulations for the first annual exhibition held in the new Exhibition
Park in Toronto, September 1st through the 19th. $20,000 in prizes
were offered with the competition open to exhibitors from other
countries. *(Not Reviewed. I don't have a year for this fair but
all evidence points to it as being the start of The Canadian
National Exhibition, in which case it took place in 1879.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIRS (1989)
"Firms and Government Exhibits"
By Philip J. Rosson and F.H. Rolf Seringhaus.
*(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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JUMP ON, JUMP ON: (19 ? )
"Traditional Fairs and Showmen"
By Brian Steptoe. This book details British ride makers and profiles a
number of show families. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Jumper Books
99 McCarthy Way
Wokingham, Berkshire,
England RG40 4UB
(0118) 973-4131
ISBN: 0 902830 33 3
Price: 19.95 (U.K. Funds)
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MEET ME AT THE FAIR (1997)
"Country, State, and World's Fairs & Expositions"
By Judy Alter. A history of fairs in the United States traces their
evolution from small animal exhibitions in the early nineteenth
century to modern day events featuring midways, junk food, and famous
entertainers. Discussed are The 1893 Columbian Exposition, The 1939
New York World's Fair, and other major exhibitions that served as
cultural barometers of their time. Archival photographs, many in
color, accompany the fast-moving text. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Franklin Watts
ISBN:
Price: $21.00
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MIDWAYS, JUDGES, AND SMOOTH-TOUNGUED FAKIRS (1983)
"The Illustrated Story of Country Fairs in the Prairie West"
By David Jones. This profiles the rural fairs of the Canadian
Praries from the 1890s into the 1930s. It has over 80 photos;
many are full page. One chapter devotes itself to the traveling
carnivals and shows which toured the Canadian prairie exhibitonm
circuit. It discusses at length the judging process, its problems,
and how it evolved to try to solve those problems. A chart is
included which shows the number of fairs for each province for each
year, and how they greately declined in the 1930s tough weather and
economic conditions. *(Recommended. This is a different book about
Canadian fairs. It concentrates greatly on the people of the fairs -
both the patrons and the organisers, but with a lean towards the
social and economic aspects. A detrement is that although there are
a large number of photos, the reproduction is too contrasty to make
out smaller details.)
MIDWAYS, JUDGES, AND SMOOTH-TOUNGUED FAKIRS
(continued)
Published By:
Western Producer Prairie Books
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(A Member of The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool)
ISBN: 0-88833-099-5
Price:
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NOTTINGHAM GOOSE FAIR ( ?? )
By Peter Wilkes. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
Trent Valley Publications
Dalebrook Road
Winshill, Burton-On-Trent
England
DE15 0AD
ISBN: 0948131 25 6 63
Price:
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ONCE UPON A CENTURY: (1978)
"100 Year History of The `Ex' "
By John Robinson/various authors. One of the few books dealing with
The Canadian National Exhibition. Began in 1879 on grounds that
were once occupied by a French trading post and where sporadic
fairs had been held, The CNE has become a Canadian Institution.
This book has a series of essays that begin with the history of
the Ex and then additional chapters discuss the buildings,
transportation, communications, sports, the big band era etc.
etc. A chapter details the military participation in the fair
and their use of the grounds during World War II when the fair did
not operate. *(This book has lots of photos and some good
write-ups, especially the chapter on the history of early
exhibitions leading up to the CNE. However the chapter on The
Midway may not contain enough information for the typical reader
of this website.)
ONCE UPON A CENTURY:
(Continued)
Published By:
Robinson Publishing
1255 Yonge Street
Toronto, Canada
ISBN:
Price:
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THE PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY (1982)
By David Breen and Kenneth Coates. This was put out to celebrate
the 75th anniversary of the famous exhibition from its conception
in 1907 and opening in 1910 through the early 1980's. *(A quick
overview of this fair is given with lots of photographs including
maps and poster/brochure reproductions. While not as detailed as I
would like, it still gives one a sense of where this fair came from
and how it progressed. My main complaints are a scarcity of exact
dates for some things and virtually nothing on Playland, which has
been the midway for the fair since 1958.) Thanks to Dianne Bollinger
of Portland, Oregon for suggesting this book.
Published By:
University of British Columbia Press
ISBN: 0-7748-0167-0
Price:
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PENINSULAR EXHIBITION (1981)
By (No Author Credited). This gives the prize list of the Peninsular
Exhibition held at Chatham, New Brunswick October 2nd, through the
5th, 1888. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN CARNIVAL (1972)
By Joe McKennon. This large format book comes in two volumes and
concentrates on mainly rides. It starts with world's fairs and
discusses in detail The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, with
particular attention paid to Ferris' Wheel. From there it details
various carnival operators and their rides. *(Recommended. There are
lots of pictures of antique rides and discussions of carnival
operations. A bonus is a list of carnivals in the appendix.)
Published By:
Carnival Publishers
Sarasota, Florida
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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THE ROMANCE OF THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION (1936)
By Oswald Withrow. This small and older book gives a detailed look
at the history, finances, site, administration, art, music, and
shows of The CNE over the years. It also lists entertainment,
sports winners, revenues and other statistics up until 1935.
* (This is not of great interest to most of the readers of this
site as there is a lack of midway discussion save for one
illustration showing the grounds which contain an early roller
coaster, and a shot of the midway taken in the 1920's or 30's.
However, the history section is good and the discussion of fairs
before The CNE got started is interesting.)
Published by:
Reginald Saunders
Toronto, Canada
ISBN:
Price:
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SELECTED LIST OF REFERENCES ON
FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS, 1928 - 1939 (1938)
By ?. This is bibliographic listings of publications fitting the above
title for the given 11-year span. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Division of Biography
Library of Congress
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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THE ST. GILES FAIR 1830 - 1914: ( ? )
"Popular Culture and the in 19th Century oxford
By Sally Alexander. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
Oxford
London, England
ISBN:
Price:
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THE STORY OF EXHIBITIONS (1951)
By Kenneth Lockhurst. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
Studio Publications
London, England
ISBN:
Price:
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TORONTO (1989 ?)
This book is borderline for this category but includes Canada's
Wonderland, Ontario Place, Centreville Amusement park, and The
Canadian National Exhibition, hence its inclusion here. It's a
picture book showing views of Toronto with areas like the Theater
District, CN Tower/Skydome, several of the forts in the area,
museums, and other tourist attractions. *(The pictures are nice and
reproduction quality is good. I especially like the day and night
shots of the now-gone "Flyer" coaster at The CNE. There is also
an excellent picture of Casa Loma at night.)
Published By: Price: $7.99 (Cdn. Funds)
Royal Specialty Sales
11 Industrial Street
Toronto, Ontario
M4G 1Z2
ISBN: 19713-9-89 ?
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TORONTO AND NIAGARA FALLS (1996)
This book is also borderline for this category. It is really about
the above locations and their surrounding area. However, Canada's
Wonderland and The Canadian National Exhibition are shown, hence this
book's inclusion here. *(Highly recommended. The pictures and photo
reproduction quality are tops. Views of Wonderland and The CNE are
here, but so are The CN Tower, Skydome, The Ontario Science Centre,
Toronto Zoo, Ontario Place, Eaton Centre, plus other shopping areas,
museums, and universities. The views of Niagara Falls are spectacular,
especially the night views with the coloured lighting on the water.
Write-ups accompany each photo spread.)
Published By: Distributed By:
Casa Editrice Bonechi ArtBooks & Souvenirs
Italy 1337 St Clare Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
ISBN: 88-8029-569-1 M6E 1C3
(416) 651-3310
Price: $14.95 (Cdn. Funds)
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TORONTO INDUSTRIAL FAIR (1895)
"An Illustrated Souvenir of Canada's
Great Exhibition, September 2nd to 14th, 1895"
By (No Author Credited). Contains descriptions and illustrations of
some of Toronto's chief industries and institutions of that era.
*(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
F. Smily
Toronto, Canada
ISBN:
Price:
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THE TRAIL OF THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION" (1925)
"An Illustrated Historical Souvenir"
By V. Roberts. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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VANCOUVER'S FAIR:" (1925)
"An Administrative and Political History
of the Pacific National Exhibition"
By David Breen and Kenneth Coates. A book on the British Columbia,
Canada fair.*(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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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 - 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
ISBN:
Price:
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WINNERS: 150 YEARS OF THE PETERBOROUGH EXHIBITION (1995)
By Elwood Jones. This book details the Ontario, Canada fair.
*(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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