Ringling


Book Description

John Nicholas Ringling's years in Sarasota spanned the final quarter-century of his life. On Florida's west coast, as the Ringling's Circus became "the greatest show on earth," he collected Baroque paintings, European decorative art, and Italian statuary, built the ostentatious mansion Ca'd'Zan, developed and marketed most of the barrier islands around Sarasota Bay, and became the focus of a confusing pastiche of acclaim, misconception, and suspicion. Sarasota's Ringling Museum is his priceless cultural legacy to the people of Florida and the world of art--an inheritance at risk for the ten years that Ringling's estate was in probate. The author of this first intensive look at Ringling's presence in Sarasota sets the man against the backdrop of Florida from World War I through the land boom and the turbulent twenties into the depression years and Ringling's lapse into obscurity. Illustrated with nearly fifty black-and-white photographs, many never before published, this is the chronicle of a man, as the foreword claims, "who was not afraid to think or live on a grand scale, who knew what he wanted from life, and from art."




The Circus Kings


Book Description

The Circus Kings, first published in 1960 and authored by a nephew of the original Ringling Brothers, is a fascinating insider's account of circus life and lore. From humble beginnings in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the Ringling family would go on to create "The Greatest Show on Earth," delighting audiences across America. Along the way, however, were the behind-the-scenes financial struggles, tragedies such as fires and labor strikes, legal battles, and changing entertainment tastes. Henry Ringling North ran Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1936 to 1967, along with his older brother, John. Included are 18 pages of photographs.




Ca D'Zan


Book Description




Jumping in Sunset


Book Description

Her comfortable life and her faith shattered when her husband of twenty years announces he is divorcing her to marry another woman, Pamela Thornton finds herself reevaluating her perspective on God and finding His love in spite of divorce.




Battle for the Big Top


Book Description

“Les Standiford takes us under the big top and behind the curtain in this richly researched and thoroughly engaging narrative that captures all of the entrepreneurial intrigue and spirit of the American circus.” —Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Devil in the Grove Millions have sat under the “big top,” watching as trapeze artists glide and clowns entertain, but few know the captivating stories behind the men whose creativity, ingenuity, and determination created one of our country’s most beloved pastimes. In Battle for the Big Top, New York Times–bestselling author Les Standiford brings to life a remarkable era when three circus kings—James Bailey, P. T. Barnum, and John Ringling—all vied for control of the vastly profitable and influential American Circus. Ultimately, the rivalry of these three men resulted in the creation of an institution that would surpass all intentions and, for 147 years, hold a nation spellbound. Filled with details of their ever-evolving showmanship, business acumen, and personal magnetism, this Ragtime-like narrative will delight and enchant circus-lovers and anyone fascinated by the American experience.







The Circus


Book Description

This is a new release of the original 1932 edition.




Cà D'Zan


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Circus Museum


Book Description

A comprehensive guide to the collected works of this unique museum




Cà D'Zan


Book Description

The dazzling palatial mansion of circus tycoon John Ringling in Sarasota, Florida, is a tribute to the American Dream and reflects the splendour and romance of Italy. Described as 'the last of the Gilded Age mansions' to be built in America, Cà d'Zan has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings. With its Venetian Gothic architecture, the mansion is a combination of the grandeur of Venice's Doge's Palace combined with the Gothic grace of Cà d'Oro, with Sarasota Bay serving as its Grand Canal. Today, this amazing house is open to the public as part of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. This book is the first of a series of five Art Spaces books coming from the Ringling Museum, which will also include books on the Circus Museum, The Circus Rail Car, The Museum of Art and the Museum's extensive gardens. 73 colour illustrations