INK FROM A CIRCUS PRESS AGENT

One of the most colorful breed of men in 19th-century circusdom was the press agent, whose duty was to act as an umpire between the show and the newspapers, and promote his companys greatness in order to generate public interest in advance of the performances. Charles H. Day, one of the leading puffers of his time, was particularly active between 1872-87, but unlike many of his colleagues, was also published widely in the entertainment newspapers and magazines. William L. Slout has collected together the best of Days colorful and evocative essays of 19th-century circus life, and has also added a helpful Circus Personnel Reference Roster, notes, and detailed index._,