Zirkus

Like many other African American women, Danise Payne graduated from a university and headed out into the world. But she finds herself spellbound on a different path and discovers her life's song includes elephants. <BR>Enter the circus. <BR>Elbows in My Ears uncovers a never-before-told tale of a black woman with a career among little people, tigers, and wardrobe trunks. Travel with Danise on a compelling journey inside the massive Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. View an all-black production called UniverSoul Big Top Circus. And witness her life as the first African American woman clown in a circus in Europe-a culture that is uncomfortable with women clowns. <BR>This intimate memoir reveals the author's encounters with prejudice, exclusion, and her fight for acceptance. It delivers adventures of hilarity and perseverance. What a testimonial to triumph over naysayers! Enjoy this behind-the-scenes peek at a traditional circus that will capture your imagination.<BR>If you love stories that inspire you to live the desire of your heart regardless of obstacles, this must-read account invites you to join the pomp that caught national attention. <BR>

Those seeking inspiration or guidance often look to respected authors, philosophers, inventors, world leaders, and other famous people.But few, if any, look to a pig.<BR>The swine race, however, should not be so easily discarded. A look back into the history of the species reminds us of its shining star, Toby, the Sapient Pig.<BR>Toby was a learned pig who achieved great fame in England in the early 1800s. Billed as "The only scholar of his race in the world," Toby could spell, read, play cards, tell time and guess people's ages.<BR>Fortunately for us, he could also write. And with that glorious talent, he wrote his autobiography, The Life and Adventures of Toby, the Sapient Pig; With His Opinions on Men and Manners. Thus, his tale has been preserved through the centuries, allowing us all to marvel at his genius.

"Chilly Billy" was the nickname of circus mogul William Washington Cole, the chief rival of P. T. Barnum. Cole was born into a circus family in 1847, and beginning in 1870 and continuing through 1886, developed "Cole's Colossal Circus" into a money-making enterprise. He wisely invested his earnings in real estate, making himself a multimillionaire before finally closing down shop. Another landmark contribution to American circus history, complete with notes, index, bibliography, and contemporaneous illustrations.