Contortionists and Cannons: An Acrobatic Look at the Circus (Culture in Action)

Nobleman, Marc Taylor

ISBN 10: 1410939197 ISBN 13: 9781410939197

Publisher: Raintree, 2010

Synopsis

This book discusses the world of circus performance and its history.

About this title

About the Author

Marc Tyler Nobleman has written books on everything from ghosts to Groundhog Day, belly flops to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Superman to summertime activities. Besides writing books, he is also a cartoonist whose work has appeared in more than 100 magazines. OR**** Marc Tyler Nobleman is the author of more than 50 books for young people. He writes regularly for Nickelodeon Magazine and has written for The History Channel. He is also a cartoonist whose single panels have appeared in more than 100 international publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Good Housekeeping, and Forbes. He lives with his wife and daughter in Connecticut.

From Booklist

Each volume in the Culture in Action series offers an overview of a topic, historical background information where appropriate, a colorful illustration on nearly every page, and three single-page activities (one music-related, one art-related, and one performance activity). Contortionists and Cannons looks at the circus, from ancient Rome’s Circus Maximus to present-day troupes such as Cirque du Soleil. The target audience for the series seems to vary somewhat, with one volume inviting readers to “feel your sides ache from laughing at lovable clowns” and another asking them to consider “the threat of Communism” as a reason for the rise of science fiction in the U.S. in the 1950s. Illustrated mainly with clearly reproduced photos, the books sometimes feature eye-catching photos on their covers as well. Time lines, glossaries, and bibliographies are appended. Aimed at a global market, the books cover their subjects broadly, but the brief lists of books, websites, and places to visit offer choices accessible to North American readers. Short, competently written overviews of a wide range of subjects. Grades 4-7. --Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: Raintree
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1410939197
• ISBN 13: 9781410939197
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32