Father of the Modern Circus 'Billy Buttons'

The Life & Times of Philip Astley

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Pub Date 30 Apr 2018 | Archive Date 24 Jul 2018
Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History

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Description

The world of the circus has a long and colourful history but it was with a man named Philip Astley that the ‘modern’ circus was founded. It was 250 years ago, in April 1768, that Astley pegged out a circular ride on the banks of the river Thames and gave performances of trick riding to a paying audience. Trick riding was nothing new, so what made Astley so popular? He was an accomplished horseman, a military hero and an instinctive showman. Above all, he was an entrepreneur who realised that people would pay good money to be entertained – and to be entertained well. He created the comic character of Billy Buttons, and other acts were added to his performances: clowns, rope dancers, tumblers and strongmen. The circus, as we might recognise it today, was born.

Father of the Modern Circus – ‘Billy Buttons’ investigates the life and times of this veritable giant of the circus world. Standing well over 6 feet tall, with a stentorian voice and character to match, it was difficult to ignore him wherever he went. From his early days as an apprentice cabinetmaker and his military exploits in the 15th Dragoons to the trials and tribulations of establishing himself as a respected performer and his international successes in France and Ireland, this book gives a detailed account of the larger than life figure that was Philip Astley.

The world of the circus has a long and colourful history but it was with a man named Philip Astley that the ‘modern’ circus was founded. It was 250 years ago, in April 1768, that Astley pegged out a...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781526706874
PRICE £12.99 (GBP)

Average rating from 6 members


Featured Reviews

For years people have been fascinated with the circus. It's a place to escape to, to watch some marvellous feats that just leave you wondering how on earth it can be done. This book is packed full of history and facts not only about how Philip Astley and how he became the father of the modern circus, but also how the events of the world shaped him into what he was to become. It tells he's story of going from rags to riches, how he started as an apprentice cabinet-maker to becoming a war hero to the master of daring escapes. The book also tells how he constantly overcame battles to provide people with entertainment. Growing his business across the country, to having to restart again when fire destroyed his venues, to making something even bigger and better. Philip Astley was not afraid to challenge anything or to try something different, especially when it came to his designs of his amphitheatres and even to the styles of entertainment. The man was basically a genius and a good business man. He even had connections with the royals which was known through his use of advertisements for his shows. Basically he proves nothing is to difficult to overcome. So if you love the circus and would love to find out more about it and it's roots, this is definitely a book for you.

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