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June 3 Cooke tells about his boyhood in the "wilds of Michigan." He relates learning the cobbler's trade, becoming an expert printer, and vividly describes his entrance into the amusement field as assistant to the California illusionist, Professor Martino. The narrative is carried up to the point where he joins the W. W. Cole circus.
June 10 Cooke tells of the longest continuous tour through this and foreign countries that was ever successfully completed by a circus. He conveys the reader twice across the continent and into New Zealand, Tasmania and Australia. A story full of adventure and interesting incident - an important chapter in American show history.
June 24 Cooke relates some of the obstacles which showmen of the early days encountered, detailing especially his experiences with pestilence and the disorderly elements among the population of the smaller towns of the Southwest. He consents to prints an article concerning the yellow fever epidemic of 1888, that he furnished the press of the North. This epidemic ended the tour of the show with which he was connected at the time. There are thrilling episodes with Texas rowdies and amusing anecdotes of circus life.
July 1 Cooke details the history of one of the most important events in showdom, the exclusion of the Barnum show from Madison Square Garden by the Forepaugh forces. He gives an account of the remarkable triumph which Buffalo Bill achieved at the garden. He describes the terms by which peace was formally declared between Barnum and Forepaugh, and the two shows united in a great performance.
July 8 History of the methods of the brilliant showman, Adam Forepaugh. Battles between the Forepaugh and Cole shows. A pen picture of the Philadelphia showman, his characteristics and eccentricities. The excellencies and foibles of Adam Forepaugh, Jr.
July 15 Circus history from the earliest days to the present, the first circus he attended, the history of circus riding.
July 22 Cooke's experiences as agent for the Barnum & Bailey show, the disastrous fire which destroyed the menagerie Bridgeport and his experiences in pursuit of attractions and the hardships he encountered. History of the show up to the departure for its first London engagement.
July 29 Cooke tells about the Barnum & Bailey engagement in London, with details of the arrangements made to make the show a success in London. The purchase of the Forepaugh show, how and why part of that concern was used in outfitting Buffalo Bill's "Wild West."
August 5 The origin and growth of the Sells Brothers' show, rival to Barnum & Bailey. The battle between these aggregations and advertising methods. The combination which united the Sells Brothers' show with the Forepaugh show, then owned by Barnum & Bailey. The arrangements made for the continental tour of Barnum & Bailey, the railway equipment manufactured in England.
August 12 The origin of "101 Ranch" and the show which visited England. The trials and triumphs of the visit and the outbreak of the European war, which put an end to the enterprise.
August 19 New Sidelights Thrown on the Career of P. T. Barnum.
September 9 Cooke tells about circus press agents and their methods.
September 16 Cooke on Buffalo Bill and Wild Bill Hickock.
September 23 Cooke on the history of clowns, circus and others.
September 30 Barnum & Bailey in Europe, 1897-1901.
October 7 Circus life, including behind the scenes. Women in the circus.
October 14 Biographical information on various circus men - agents, contractors, etc.
October 21 Buffalo Bill, Pawnee Bill and the early West.
October 28 Biographical information on many circus proprietors, managers, showmen.
November 18 Pen pictures of some circus notables, shows that have ceased to exist, chronological history of the circus from ancient times.
December 2 Art, artists, and printing firms of advertising lithographs.
December 9 Human oddities and daredevil acts.
December 16 Privileges and privilege men, treasurers and ticket sellers, legal adjusters, transportation and 'lay out' men, complete list of shows (circus, wild west, carnival) for 1915.
December 30 Biographical information on James A. Bailey.
January 6 Concluding chapter. Cooke takes the reader on a behind the scenes tour of the circus.
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Last modified January 2006.
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