The Circus Kings: Our Ringling Family Story

by Henry Ringling North, Alden Hatch

"Told in the first person with spirit, modesty, and almost stunning candor, . . . [North's] intimate documentary of a restless, quarreling, affectionate, often vulgar, innately genteel, greedy and generous, tricky but honest, vividly imaginative clan comes perilously close to being a tour de force. . . . A wonderful and worthwhile book." -- New York Times Book Review
 "A fascinating, excellently written book for everyone, young or old, who has ever loved a circus." -- Herald Tribune Book Review  
After years of being out of print, the story behind "The Greatest Show on Earth" is back for new generations to discover. Through the early twentieth century, the Ringling Brothers created a spectacle like no one had ever seen, and one that still wows audiences to this day. Yet what most people do not know is that events behind the scenes rivaled the excitement and intrigue of the center ring. 
Originally published in 1960, and told with remarkable honesty by the nephew of the original Ringling brothers, The Circus Kings remains a clear and unexaggerated telling of what the circus was like for those who lived it.

Genres: History

418 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written by a member of the 2nd generation of the Ringling family. It talks about the beginning of the circus big top to the end of the big top era. It was fascinating. The personalities of the founders and the second generation. How terribly hard the smooth running of the circus was. During the war years I found that the army got the transportation manager of the Ringling circus to help move massive troops and supplies smoothly. I guess you go to the best. I read this because I went to the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL and became interested in the history of the circus. Now I am even more interested. I saw the Ringling brothers Circus a few times when I was younger, and they came to St. Louis. It was wonderful, though I wish I could have seen the Big Top.

[Jo Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

During my (long ago!) younger days, I lived in Orange County, California . . a regular stop for the Ringling Brothers Circus (at the huge Anaheim Convention Center across the street from Disneyland). For a number of years we were content to simply stand across the street from Disneyland and watch the parade passing by!! At some point, we decided to add the circus train off-loading - at the Santa Ana railroad station then "beat feet to Anaheim!! The off-loading was a HUGE experience!! What a day of EXCITEMENT that was!

Well . . when I saw that there was a book that focused on the Ringling Brothers (Barnum and Bailey was added when a partnership ensued) . . I HAD TO READ IT!!

I learned a lot about the "underlying" aspects of the circus world! I've been to Baraboo, Wisconsin . . we saw the closed Gates of the Circus World Museum . . Shayla listened (politely) to the retelling of my story (see above 😉) and continued on with our geocaching jaunt!

I enjoyed the "back story" . . . and I learned more than I'd expected to learn about that iconic circus 5*

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visited the Ringling home and Museum in Sarasota in December. As usual I thumbed through the books being offered in the Museum Gift Store and came upon "The Circus Kings" and took it home with me. The author - a member of the family and very involved with the circus - writes with his heart and a fair amount of ability. It is easy to get caught up in the modern hype of the circus and its treatment of animals but to read about the entire story of a hundred years and all that went with it was a great lesson in the history of Americana.

[Pearl Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super interesting read! I learned a ton and appreciated that they didn't sugarcoat things. There's some horrific accidents that take place, and they talk about them instead of making it seem like the Circus was perfect. I appreciated that honesty, I'm sure it wasn't easy to do! I thought it was going to be a 5 star read, but the 2nd half did focus heavily on the financial issues and less of the Circus and dragged just a bit. But overall, it's a great read, and I would recommend it to others!

[Diane Mezzanotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging, entertaining, and insightful memoir by a descendant of the original Ringling Brothers. The first few chapters were a bit slow, but after that the story picks up at a fast pace, filled with fun and fascinating anecdotes as well as inside stories of family turmoil and drama. I enjoyed the movie The Greatest Showman, about PT Barnum. I think it’s time for one about the Ringling family now, especially John Ringling, who is at the center of much of the story.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any fan of the circus. It covers the Ringling brothers from childhood thru their hand off to the next generation. The evolution of the circus is fascinating as it goes from awing it's spectators with very basic acts through trying to keep up with the times. As an insider, North is able to give insights into the family dynamics with honesty and respect.

[Matthew Binder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of the Ringling Bros. history. The book could've used more wild anecdotes.

[Ralph Plummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been born in Baraboo, Wisconsin, I truly enjoyed this book. I recognize most of the places mentioned and know many of the names of the people from Baraboo. I lived not far from the Circus World Museum, the first winter quarters, and spent many hours there seeing the old railroad cars, the beautiful hand carved wagons, etc. As a child I spent many Saturdays at the Al Ringling Theatre. I also remember the Ringling Mansion on the same street I lived on.
The Ringlings brothers made an impact on Baraboo.
This book was a joy for me to read as it brought back lots of fond memories of my hometown.

[Geophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of, and life in one of the most successful circuses in North America is an interesting and unusual topic, and not many could tell about everyday circus life with the authority of Henry Ringling North. However, the book is a little dry in places, and I found myself putting it down and coming back to it later several times. All in all, though, it was worth the read.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Water for Elephants I craved to know more about the Ringling circus and found this treasure. If you liked Water for Elephants and would like a non-fiction read about circus life, I recommend you read this.

[Larry Gundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now need to know what happened to this circus from 1960 to the present...