MacVicar has written a book that really makes the reader want to like it. The ingredients are all there: The challenges of life as an advance man for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Circus, set against the background of the circus’ romantic history, plus the author’s obviously deep knowledge of both the circus and the skills of a promoter. Unfortunately, MacVicar’s choice
of a ＂narrative non-fiction＂ format makes the book neither a good novel nor a good handbook for the would-be promoter. Despite these problems, readers with a strong interest in the circus will
find much of interest here. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
