John H. Towsen

Wow. What a book. This book just pulls you in to the world of Clowns. Just from the first chapter, I learned on how far back clowning goes. The most amazing thread throughout the book is the people who chose to clown. Some came about because of an accident or just because they wanted to clown. These early pioneers took physical risks to do their craft. Some died when they could not perform anymore. Some died performing. There work is noted through images and segments of routines. The book also highlights how clowning transforms when it travels to certain countries in Europe and the United States. My favorite chapters were chapters 11 and 12. Chapter 11 talks about the role clowning played in society using the former USSR as an example and chapter 12 on clown-mime. The last chapeter also addresses the role of clowns sans a traditional three ring circus. This book could spurn so many sequels. This book is a must for anyone who is interested in circus arts.… (more)