Best Circus Performing Arts Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Circus performing arts books are an essential resource for anyone interested in the world of circus arts. These books cover a wide range of topics, from the history of the circus to the techniques and skills required to become a successful performer. They offer insights into the lives of famous circus performers, as well as detailed instructions on how to juggle, perform acrobatics, and work with animals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced performer, these books are packed with valuable information and practical advice that can help you take your skills to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

YoYo Tricks For Kids: How To Master The Basics And Become A Pro With The YoYo Following Simple Instructions, With Illustrations (Fun Tricks) Cover #TOP 2
YoYo Tricks For Kids: How To Master The Basics And Become A Pro With The YoYo Following Simple Instructions, With Illustrations (Fun Tricks)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived Cover #TOP 3
Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Circus Performing Arts Books

#TOP 1

Pop Art

Honnef, Klaus
TASCHEN
Nov 26, 2015

This book, Pop Art, delves into the origins, evolution, and impact of the Pop Art movement. Featuring prominent artists like Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Roy Lichtenstein, the book explores how Pop Art challenged traditional art forms and embraced mass-market sources like advertising and consumer culture. The Basic Art Series provides approximately 100 color illustrations, a detailed introduction, and a selection of the most important works of the epoch. Written by Klaus Honnef, Pop Art is an informative and visually stimulating read for anyone interested in modern art and cultural history.

#TOP 2

YoYo Tricks For Kids: How To Master The Basics And Become A Pro With The YoYo Following Simple Instructions, With Illustrations (Fun Tricks)

Gibbs, Charlotte
Oct 7, 2022
YoYo Tricks For Kids: How To Master The Basics And Become A Pro With The YoYo Following Simple Instructions, With Illustrations (Fun Tricks) Cover
YoYo Tricks For Kids: How To Master The Basics And Become A Pro With The YoYo Following Simple Instructions, With Illustrations (Fun Tricks)

This book, YoYo Tricks For Kids, is a comprehensive guide for children who are interested in learning yoyo tricks. With step-by-step instructions and illustrations, kids can easily follow along and master 20 different yoyo tricks. The book also includes tips on which yoyos to use and how to perform each trick successfully. The simplicity of the instructions makes it easy for kids to become yoyo masters quickly. This book is perfect for parents who want to keep their kids entertained without relying on screens. Overall, YoYo Tricks For Kids is a fun and engaging book that will keep children entertained for hours.

#TOP 3

Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived

Helfer, Ralph
Harper Perennial
Aug 26, 1998
Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived Cover
Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived

"Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived" is an incredible true story of a boy and an elephant who were born on the same day and raised together in a small German circus town. The book spans several decades and three continents, taking readers on a journey of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure. The author tells the story of Modoc and Bram's triumphs against the odds and their quest to stay together despite the many challenges they faced. This book is a heartwarming and thrilling adventure that will captivate animal lovers and those who enjoy true stories of resilience and courage.

Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts: An Illustrated Guide to Strength, Flexibility, Training, and Injury Prevention

Scherb, Emily
North Atlantic Books
Aug 28, 2018
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts: An Illustrated Guide to Strength, Flexibility, Training, and Injury Prevention Cover
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts: An Illustrated Guide to Strength, Flexibility, Training, and Injury Prevention

The Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts is an excellent guide for aerialists, which explains the anatomical rationale for progressions of learning and demonstrates simple movements to achieve coordination, muscular control, strength, and fitness to hang with correct form. Emily Scherb, a physical therapist, has designed this book specifically for aerialists, including those who do trapeze, silks, and other aerial arts, to help them optimize their performance and train safely. The book also explains how to structure a training session, how to care for injuries, and best practices for basic self-first aid. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for aerial instructors and students alike.

#TOP 5

Tying and Flying: Bondage for self-suspension

Tiziano, Shay
Tiziano, Stefanos
Sep 10, 2019
Tying and Flying: Bondage for self-suspension Cover
Tying and Flying: Bondage for self-suspension

This book is the first-ever guide to self-suspension, offering a thorough and nondogmatic approach to this dynamic movement. It covers everything from safety information to practical rope bondage instruction, with beautiful color photography featuring a diverse range of self-suspenders. Whether you're new to rope or have years of practice, this reflective and nuanced approach has something for you. The author, Shay Tiziano, is a renowned self-suspender based in San Francisco, with more than a decade of experience educating and performing around the world. This book is an excellent resource for those interested in exploring self-suspension.

Learn To Juggle In 15 Minutes. 3 Ball juggling for adults & kids.: Anyone can do it!

CRAWSHAW, J A
Sep 6, 2021
Learn To Juggle In 15 Minutes. 3 Ball juggling for adults & kids.: Anyone can do it! Cover
Learn To Juggle In 15 Minutes. 3 Ball juggling for adults & kids.: Anyone can do it!

This book titled "Learn To Juggle In 15 Minutes" is a comprehensive guide that provides easy-to-follow instructions for beginners to learn 3-ball juggling. The book covers 8 simple steps with accompanying photos, hints, and tips to help readers master the skill quickly. It also includes information on juggling more balls and clubs, troubleshooting, and the health benefits associated with juggling. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in circus performing arts or looking to impress their friends and family with a new skill.

#TOP 7

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Sideshow and Other Carnival Curiosities

Believe It Or Not!, Ripley's
Ripley Publishing
Apr 7, 2020
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Sideshow and Other Carnival Curiosities Cover
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Sideshow and Other Carnival Curiosities

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Sideshow and Other Carnival Curiosities is a fascinating compendium of curiosities that brings the performers of sideshows to life. The book is full of photography and takes readers on a deep dive into the history of sideshow acts, including the Fiji mermaid, one of the most famous sideshow artifacts of all time, and the Seven Sutherland Sisters, who shared 37 ft of hair between them. It also introduces readers to a new cast of characters, including "half-man" Aaron Wollin aka Short E. Dangerously. Overall, this book is rich in history and full of captivating stories that make for a fun and informative read.

#TOP 8

Flying, Falling, Catching: An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom

Nouwen, Henri J. M.
Whitney-Brown, Carolyn
HarperOne
Mar 8, 2022
Flying, Falling, Catching: An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom Cover
Flying, Falling, Catching: An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom

'Flying, Falling, Catching' by Carolyn Whitney-Brown is a captivating story of Henri Nouwen's unlikely friendship with a traveling trapeze troupe during the last five years of his life. Through his experience, Nouwen discovers artistry, success, failure, and forgiveness, which he reflects on in his unpublished trapeze writings. The book also delves into Nouwen's engagement with the Civil Rights movement, life in a community with people with intellectual disabilities, and his personal growth through friendships during the AIDS pandemic. Overall, this book is a beacon of hope, reminding readers that even in life's most unusual detours, we can find healing, peace, and awe. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and interconnectivity.

#TOP 9

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Mind Blown (17) (ANNUAL)

Believe It Or Not!, Ripley's
Ripley Publishing
Sep 29, 2020
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Mind Blown (17) (ANNUAL) Cover
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Mind Blown (17) (ANNUAL)

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Mind Blown (17) (ANNUAL) is an all-new collection of incredible facts, unusual feats, and hair-raising oddities from around the world that will leave readers in awe. Bursting with vibrant and eye-catching photos, as well as submissions from dedicated readers, this book is a must-have for every curious mind. From a woman who can crush apples with her biceps to a spider that lives underwater, this book is filled with unbelievable stories and images that will blow your mind. Overall, this book is a fascinating read for children and adults alike, and it is easy to see why Ripley's Believe It or Not! is globally renowned as the authority on the weird, the eccentric, and the amazing.

American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals: Hitchhiking From California to New York, Alaska to Mexico

Comerford, Michael Sean
Comerford Publishing LLC
Jul 4, 2020
American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals: Hitchhiking From California to New York, Alaska to Mexico Cover
American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals: Hitchhiking From California to New York, Alaska to Mexico

American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals by Tony Comerford is a gripping and gritty account of life on the road with the carnival. Comerford's firsthand experiences working behind the scenes with the colorful characters and legends of the carnival subculture are both fascinating and shocking. From the freak shows to the labor abuses, Comerford exposes the truths about this secretive world. The book is reminiscent of the gritty writings of Studs Terkel and John Steinbeck, with a dash of Jack Kerouac and Hunter S. Thompson. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the American road story and the subcultures that exist on the fringes of society.

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Editor's Notes

During our circus performing arts book research, we found 1,200+ circus performing arts book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,856 customer reviews through our big data system to write the circus performing arts books list. We found that most customers choose circus performing arts books with an average price of $13.29.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.