The Juggler's Trilogy of
Timeless Techniques:
Three Rare Books of Arcane
Early-20th-Century Juggling Artistry
in One Volume
The Juggler's Trilogy
of Timeless Techniques:
All Three Rare Books
of Arcane Early-20th-Century
Juggling Artistry in One Volume
Compiled with context
& commentary
by Reginald W. Bacon
(Newburyport, Mass.:
Variety Arts Press, 2021)
6x9 softcover; 320 pages;
175 diagrams & illustrations.
ISBN: 978-0-9977528-7-8
LOC: 2020951882
The Juggler's Trilogy of Timeless Techniques presents, for the first time in one volume, all three major works on early 20th-century theatrical juggling artistry: The Art of Modern Juggling (1907) by Anglo (Thomas Horton), Juggling Secrets (1911) by Will Goldston, and Juggling (1921) by Rupert Ingalese. The digitally-restored page images are from rare copies in the Vaudeville Restrospective Collection. All three works, now in the public domain, are illuminated with context, commentary, and new research findings by veteran acrobatic juggler and performing arts historian Reginald W. Bacon.
The Art of Modern Juggling (1907) by Anglo (Thomas Horton), with James F. Middelton (ed.), is regarded as the first book-length instructional work on juggling in English. The author, the Australian vaudeville juggler Anglo, arranged to have the book published in England before his life took an unfortunate turn. The copiously-illustrated 107-page book was finally published three years after his death. The compiler's commentary reveals the details of Anglo's ignominious end.
Juggling Secrets (1911) by Will Goldston (ed.), with Fred Velasco and Harry Carmo, was among many books published by the prolific magic promoter, dealer, and author, Will Goldston. The 96-page book is enriched by the informed juggling content provided by Cinquevalli disciple Harry Carmo, and the crisp illustrations by Fred Velasco.
Juggling (1921) by Rupert Ingalese (Paul Wingrave) is the shortest of the three books, at 73 pages, but its instruction and illustrations withstand the test of time. The compiler also includes new discoveries about the author's successful globe-trotting performance career --- and his multiple performance identities.
All three books, published within a span of 15 years at a time when vaudeville variety entertainment was peaking in England, continental Europe, the U.S., Australia, and South Africa, reflect the juggling trends and audience expectations of the time. So there are plenty of hats, canes, cigars, umbrellas, plates, and bottles throughout. In those days, the novice or ardent amateur could learn the basics of legitimate toss juggling from these books, and along the way pick up a few gimmicked prop ideas on how to make an otherwise "impossible" balancing stunt an achievable crowd-pleaser. Your gimmick-averse compiler nevertheless places this magic-oriented penchant for gimmickry in the context of its time, place, and motive.
This anthology is a companion to The Juggler's Anthology of Venerable Veracities, a 288-page compilation of books, articles, interviews, and excerpts --- from 1828 to 1952 --- by-and-about jugglers and juggling.
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To order by postal mail, send order details, your shipping address, and payment by check to Variety Arts Enterprises, P.O. Box 489, Newburyport, MA 01950.
