Fairground Art

Rating:
Summary: Marvelous Book - What? No Other Reviews???
Review: I can't believe I'm the first to review this book, considering its importance as both a visual and literary reference on amusement history. Covering both European and American cultures, this huge book contains modern and historic photos of amusement devices, circus broadsides, and, as the title says, fairground art. The sheer span of subjects covered warrants this book a place on any amusement park buff's bookshelf.

One thing I particularly appreciate about this book is that it doesn't shy away from the often violent and sexual depictions so often featured in carnival decorations - there is even a chapter devoted to the subject. It also has a wonderful section focusing just on carousels, and - get this, restoration fans - the final pages include Barney Illions' description of the painting procedures used in Marcus Illions' original factory, step-by-step. A remarkable treasure.

I recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in fairground history - I have owned it for years, and still love looking through. It's an enormous book, and every page offers great, and accurate, information on the subject. A true must-have.

Rating:
Summary: Marvelous Book - What? No Other Reviews???
Review: I can't believe I'm the first to review this book, considering its importance as both a visual and literary reference on amusement history. Covering both European and American cultures, this huge book contains modern and historic photos of amusement devices, circus broadsides, and, as the title says, fairground art. The sheer span of subjects covered warrants this book a place on any amusement park buff's bookshelf.

One thing I particularly appreciate about this book is that it doesn't shy away from the often violent and sexual depictions so often featured in carnival decorations - there is even a chapter devoted to the subject. It also has a wonderful section focusing just on carousels, and - get this, restoration fans - the final pages include Barney Illions' description of the painting procedures used in Marcus Illions' original factory, step-by-step. A remarkable treasure.

I recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in fairground history - I have owned it for years, and still love looking through. It's an enormous book, and every page offers great, and accurate, information on the subject. A true must-have.