Books about circus life?

[ASnowballsChance]

Can anyone recommend any books about life in a travelling circus? It really intrigues me and I would love to read more about it. Can be fiction or non fiction.

I've read water for elephants (and loved it) but that's it.

Look up Nell Gifford’s book (I haven’t read it though so don’t know exactly what the focus is, or whether it’s good!).

Lionboy- Zizou Corder, has a long period set on a travelling circus boat. It’s aimed at children 8+ , but I really enjoyed reading it!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a good read. Enid Blyton wrote a series about a travelling circus, for children. And a quick Goodteads search under the word "circus" came up with 4357 results! Not all of which will be anywhere near what you're looking for though, I'm sure

If you're interested in the historical aspect, 'Lord' George Sanger's autobiography 'Seventy Years a Showman' is available freely or quite cheaply in various places online.

Oh, and Noel Streatfeild wrote one for children - 'The Circus is Coming', I think.

Nights at the circus by Angela Carter.

Geek Love. It's a bit out there mind 😁

Was also going to mention The Night Circus. I loved it.

I've been meaning to read The Night Circus and the title of this thread reminded me.

Nine posts in and it's been mentioned four times. I think that says something!

Nights at the circus by Angela Carter.

I was coming in to say that, I’ve just read it & I can’t believe it took me this long to discover Fevvers.

Philippa Gregory wrote a trilogy called Wildacre, the Favoured Child, and Meriden, before she wrote her “royal” books and Meriden was partly set in a circus.
The Enid Blyton book a pp mentioned was Mr Galliano’s Circus, although I think there were a couple more in the series too.

Sorry, it’s Wideacre and Meridon.

Strange you should mention that papergirl, I've actually read Wideacre and think I have the second one somewhere.

Thanks for all the recommendations - they look great!

I'd also recommend the Night Circus. Also City of Circles by Jess Richards.

Geek love sprang to my mind too. Definitely odd though.

Another fan of Noel Streatfeild's The Circus is Coming', and its unglamorising focus on work and two not very nice children learning to find their niche.

Love Let Me Not Hunger - by Paul Gallico. Very sad, though.

I loved, loved, loved the night circus.

I'd also recommend the gracekeeper. It's a bit futuristic, but one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished it.

The Moor by L J Ross maybe?

Enid Blyton wrote three about Mr. Galliano's circus, and one single one about a girl called Fenella. I actually still read my childhood copies cos I enjoy them so much
Circus by Alastair MacLean is good too.

Peter Spiers did a lovely picture book called Circus! It's for children, but is all about the reality behind the scenes as well as front of house. And the pictures are huge and detailed.

Another recommendation for The Night Circus which I adored.

One that’s not been mentioned but it worth a read is Goldenland Past Dark.

I had a 'thing' about circus books a few years ago. Off the top of my head -

Geek Love
The Final Confession of Mabel Stark
Confessions of a Showman: My Life in the Circus by Gerry Cottle
Nell Gifford - Josser

The Catch Trap by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Jamrach's Menagerie and Orphans of the Carnival, both by Carol Birch. Completely brilliant.