Advertisement
With the closing of Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey circus in 2017 after 145 years, interest in the American Circushas grown—especially with movies like The Greatest Showman and live shows like Circe de Soleil paying
wonderous homage. Now, adding to this growing circus nostalgia is New York Times bestselling author Les
Standiford with his new book Battle for the Big Top: P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, John Ringling, and the Death-
Defying Saga of the American Circus (PublicAffairs; on sale June 15 th , 2021).
Standiford writes the untold story of three Golden Age titans and the confrontations, cutthroat business
strategies, and eccentric personalities that built the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus. He recreates a
remarkable era when a community—without regard for gender, creed, or nationality—would be captivated by the
spectacle created by three diversely talented individuals who transcended the ordinary. Ultimately, the rivalry of
these three men resulted in the creation of an institution that would surpass all intentions and, for over a century,
hold a nation spellbound.
Filled with details of their ever-evolving showmanship, business strategies, and personal magnetism, this Ragtime-
like narrative will appeal to those interested in principal players of American history and the circus, not to
mention railroading, and those interested in opulence, excess, and exoticism of the Gilded Age and Roaring Twenties.
Les Standiford is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including Last Train to
Paradise, Meet You in Hell, and Bringing Adam Home. His book, The Man Who Invented
Christmas, was a New York Times ‘Editors’ Choice’ and was made into a feature film
starring Christopher Plummer and Dan Stevens in 2018. He is a Professor of English and
Founding Director of the Creative Writing Program at Florida International University and
holds a MA and PhD in literature and creative writing from the University of Utah. He
attended the US Air Force Academy and Columbia School of Law and is a former
screenwriting fellow and graduate of the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He lives in
St. Petersburg, Florida.
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Vero Beach Book Center, 392 21st St, Vero Beach, United States