Astley's Circus - the story of an English Hussar Paperback – Illustrated, December 7, 2013

The author traces young Phillip Astley from his early days as a carpentry apprentice through his successful career as a horse trainer in the German War and then to his development of the modern circus, although—as the author points out—he never used the word circus in connection with his entertainments. The story of Astley's Amphitheatre continues are Phillip Astley's death in 1814 and his son's in 1821, until it was finally closed in 1893 and the final building—built by a successor—in 1895.You may not have realized that Astley's performances were not exclusively held in his location south of Westminster Bridge. He took his horses, performers, wooden structures, and all on tour in various parts of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland…and, when war was not a barrier—to the continent. He was revered by many, including Marie-Antoinette, who called him "le plus bel homme d'Europe" and presented his son with a gold medal set with diamonds. His French theatre was appropriated by the revolutionaries, of course, but when a temporary peace occurred in 1803, he not only was given an audience with Napoleon Bonaparte, but was granted reparations by said monarch. But his most valuable connection was with King George III, who assisted him with various licensure problems and even made a bow to him at one point, which was a spectacular coup for an uneducated man who built an entertainment empire that changed forever the face of circuses and clowns and equestrian performances.Mr. Rendell, the author, was fortunate to have inherited the papers of his four-time great grandfather, which included a treasure trove of original documents from the 18th century. Other images of paintings and sketches and advertising flyers were lent via the generosity of several museums. I have to say I read this book from beginning to end when I first sat down with it. It took a good three hours even while I skimmed over some of the newspaper clippings, but I will undoubtedly go back to them later since I LOVE the insights I get on the way people's minds worked 200+ years ago from reading these old clippings.The price may seem high, but this item is one of a kind.

Good little book on a subject rarely treated: Philip Astley, the creator of the modern circus -- and that's enough to rejoice! A major, complete biography of Philip Astley is still to be written, though.Mark Randell researched his subject well, and added some little-known information to what most average circus scholars are usually aware of, such as Astley's Masonic credentials, for example. Mark Randell's interests concern the period of English history during which Astley was active, and therefore is at ease researching and writing about that time; he is not however a biographer per-se, nor a circus scholar, and obviously didn't have the curiosity or the time to connect his research with the theater and show business scenes of the period, in Britain and abroad -- which would have indeed open many new doors, and trigger further research.Yet, as it is, it is a good and informative read.Dominique JandoCurator/EditorCircopedia.org

Very good book, well written and researched. Helped me immensely.

the best ever read: circus history in a nutshell as well as great way of describing that early circus era

Mike Rendell is an exemplary researcher, who can also write in a way that draws the reader in. This book fills a gap in available information about the famous Astley and his entertainments . Anyone who is a devotee of tales from the Long Regency will have heard of Astley's Amphitheatre - now at last a full and comprehensive explanation of how it began and what actually happened there! Generously illustrated throughout and with reference to period ephemera this is a 'must have' book for any devotee of the period - or anyone who is interested in the history of showmanship. Thank you, Mike, just what I needed for my library!

I have bought many ebooks from Amazon with no problem. But this one has only appeared on my phone. I requested it be sent to my 2nd device which is my iPad. Normally books automatically go to both.

An interesting and clearly written book covering the origins of the circus. Would have been made better with footnote references to his sources.

Very good research, very interesting narrative. Good illustrations, slightly weak prose style, poor text justification.