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Sawdust & Spangles: Stories & Secrets of the Circus

By W. C. Coup
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About This Book

The author offers a first-person account of life behind the circus, combining childhood memories of traveling wagon shows with practical, often harrowing descriptions of procuring, transporting, and training exotic animals for exhibition. Chapters examine the menagerie trade and hunting methods, the staging of freak displays and publicity stunts, logistics of moving large shows by rail and road, promotional parades and advertising tactics, and anecdotes about handlers, animals, and performers. The work balances technical detail about operations and animal care with colorful stories of rivalry, danger, showmanship, and the daily routines that sustained popular spectacle.

About the Author

Coup, W. C. portrait

W. C. Coup

W. C. Coup was an American author and circus manager, best known for his work "Sawdust & Spangles: Stories & Secrets of the Circus." His writing provides a vivid glimpse into the world of the circus, capturing the excitement and intrigue of this unique entertainment form. Coup's experiences in the circus industry lend authenticity to his narratives, making them a valuable resource for understanding the culture and history of American circuses during his time. Through his storytelling, he contributed to the literary heritage surrounding circus life and its performers.

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