Author: S. L. Kotar File Type: pdf To both young and old, the circus remains an icon of American entertainment, a wholesome pastime untouched by the passing years. But the modern circus, with its three rings, ringmaster, animals, and acrobats, is the product of nearly three hundred years of evolution. This intriguing work chronicles the history of the American circus from its roots in England through its importation to America to the end of the nineteenth century. It introduces the early pioneers of the circus, addresses business concerns such as management and training, and discusses the development of the show itself, including the incorporation of menageries, the need for animal training and care, the addition of circus music, the use of the tent, and the unique attractions of side shows and freaks. Personal stories of those who made their lives under the big top are woven throughout the narrative, adding an intimate perspective to one of Americas most enduring entertainments.**

Author: Penn Jillette File Type: epub FROM THE LARGER, LOUDER HALF OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS MAGIC DUO PENN & TELLER comes a scathingly funny reinterpretation of The Ten Commandments. They are The Penn Commandments, and they reveal one outrageous and opinionated atheists experience in the world. From performing blockbuster shows on the Vegas Strip to the adventures of fatherhood, from an ongoing dialogue with proselytizers of the Christian Right to the joys of sex while scuba diving, Penn Jillettes self-created Decalogue invites his reader on a journey of discovery that is equal parts wise and wisecracking. God, No! is a roller coaster of exploration as Penn shows that doubt, skepticism, and wonderall signs of a general feeling of disbeliefare to be celebrated, rather than suppressed. And he tells some pretty damn funny stories along the way.Amazon.com ReviewNot only can the man rant, he can write. From the larger, louder half of the world-famous magic duo Penn & Teller comes a scathingly funny reinterpretation of The Ten Commandments. They are The Penn Commandments, and they reveal one outrageous and opinionated atheists experience in the world. In this rollicking yet honest account of a godless existence, Penn takes readers on a roller coaster of exploration and flips conventional religious wisdom on its ear to reveal that doubt, skepticism, and wonder -- all signs of a general feeling of disbelief -- are to be celebrated and cherished, rather than suppressed. And he tells some pretty damn funny stories along the way. From performing blockbuster shows on the Vegas Strip to the adventures of fatherhood, from an on-going dialogue with proselytizers of the Christian Right to the joys of sex while scuba diving, Jillettes self-created Decalogue invites his reader on a journey of discovery that is equal parts wise and wisecracking Amazon Exclusive Teller Interviews Penn Jillette Teller is an American magician, illusionist, comedian, writer, and is the smaller, quieter half of the comedy magic duo Penn & Teller, along with Penn Jillette. Teller I presume your new book is all about me, right?Penn Jillette Weve done three magic books together and I wrote two novels without you. I wanted to put something out there that was all me, my ideas and beliefs and take on things that would be thought-provoking and funny. I do a lot of op-ed stuff and TV pundit stuff. Im always the nut on those panels that they go to for a joke, but end up being the guy the host says Hey, Penns a whack job, but hes right. Oh, and I guess I talk about you, too. Teller Im going to pretend to ask you about the book, as if I havent read it yet. So Penn, whats your book about?Penn Its a pretty funny look my life and all the goofy things that are important to me skepticism, truth, atheism, our show, my family and friends, libertarianism. I share funny stories about those things and talk about my beliefs and even tell one about the skin falling of my scrotum. Oh, and I guess I talk about you, too. Teller I love the Siegfried & Roy story in the book.hr Penn I think its my favorite and it really captures the essence of the book. Its funny, nutty and from my heart. Teller Do you have to be an atheist to read this book? Penn God No! (get it?). Im very respectful of Christians in the book. And its not all about being an atheist. Its a funny, humorous book about a lot of stuff that goes on in the life and head of a nutty Vegas magician. There are lots of heavy books out there about religion and Atheism. But this one might be the feel good one. Too bad Oprahs Book Club has shut down. Teller Why should I buy this book if youve already given me a free copy? Penn Well, you owe me $24.99.ReviewPenn Jillette is a 21st-century Lordof Misrule big, boisterously anarchic, funny, Rabelaisian, impossibleandunique. There isntcouldnt bebetter not beanybody like him. Richard Dawkins, bestselling author ofThe Greatest Show on Earth and *The God Delusion*There are few people in the country who question more boldly, brashly and bravely than my friend Penn Jillette. This book is funny, provocative and profane. But is it right? God, no! Glenn BeckThis planet has yielded exactly one mutual friend for Glenn Beck and me and that friend has written a brilliant book called God, No!. Penn reveals the big secret of magic, tells you why tattoos are perfect expressions of atheism and exactly what to eat when you know youre going to vomit later. Lawrence O DonnellPeople who say that libertarians have no heart or atheists have no soul need to read this book. Because Penn Jillette has a lot of both. Matt Stone and Trey Parker, creators of South Park and award-winning Broadway musical The Book of MormonJillette has made a career as a provocateur, and it is tempting to dismiss this book as another piece of carny shtick, but there is a forceful intelligence at work here that demands to be taken seriously. He has shaped his argument with care. Daniel Stashower, Washington Post Book World

Author: Yehuda Halevi File Type: pdf

Author: William Arthur Galston File Type: pdf Kant and the Problem of History [Hardcover] **