BOOKS on the
GENERAL SUBJECT of
EXHIBITIONS
Books here give an overview of exhibitions other than world's fairs.
Some are devoted to specific fairs, while others discuss the impact
of these presentations on history, society, architecture, technology,
etc. Note that some do discuss world's fairs but they are not the main
subject. There are also some books on related subjects such as
fairground artists.
For books on World's Fairs, go to the main
Fairs Books table of contents.
See also: Videos
and The CEC Midway
Exhibition Grounds.
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AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION (1980)
By (No Author Credited). This gives the general regulations and prize
list for The Agricultural & Industrial Exhibition held at Agricultural
and Industrial Exhibition held at Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada from
September 30th through October 4th 1878.
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION (1980)
By (No Author Credited). This gives the general regulations and prize
list for The Agricultural & Industrial Exhibition held at Kentville,
Nova Scotia September 28th through October 1st, 1880. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR: ( ? )
By ? This book has something to do with The Showmen's Guild in
England. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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ALL THE WORLD'S A FAIR: (1984 and/or 87)
"Visions of Empire at American
Expositions, 1876-1916"
By Robert W. Rydell, *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226732401
Price: $20.00
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THE AMERICAN STATE FAIR (2001)
By Derek Nelson. This discusses the county-type of fairs as
produced in the United States. It includes a history, contests
for best animals, vegetables, and pies; the tractor pulls; public
attractions such as balloon ascensions, train wrecks, car
races, etc; sideshows; amusement rides; fair food; even the "cooch"
(girlie) shows. 100 photos. *(This book includes a nice chapter on
midways, with photos of carousels and some flat rides. State fairs
were in many ways the predecessors of amusement parks in America.
Another volume from the MBI series, with good text and great
production values.) Book suggestion and review courtesy of Seth
Briliant of Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Published By:
MBI Publishing
ISBN: 0760306567
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
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BOOKS OF THE FAIRS (1990)
By Robert Rydell. This was part of a Smithsonian project and lists
books, manuscripts, and pamphlets in their collection. It covers fairs
from 1834 - 1915. Besides the bibliographical information, Rydell
traces the evolution of fairs and discusses their history. *(Not
Reviewed.)
Published By:
Research Publications
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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BRITISH FAIRGROUND (!97?)
"A Photographic History"
By Susanne Thackray. Gives a history of British fairs from the 1800's
through to the 1960's. Many photographs included. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Encompass Press
45 The Street
Aylmerton, Norwich
England
NR11 8AA
ISBN: 1 897924 03 8
Price:
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CALIFORNIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION ( ?? )
*(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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CANADIAN COMPANIES AT INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIRS (1996)
By Philip J. Rosson and F.H. Rolf Seringhaus. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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DIRECTORY OF NORTH AMERICAN FAIRS, FESTIVALS, AND EXPOSITIONS (2000)
This is an Amusement Business publication listing almost 5,000
of the above. Note that although the title says "North America",
only fairs in The United States and Canada are shown. It is
renewed every year. Contains dates, booking information,
demographics and other details. (Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Amusement Business
Amusement Business
(800) 407-6874
ISBN:
Price: $65 (U.S. Funds)
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ENGLISH FAIRS (1975)
By Ian Starsmore. This book gives a good history with photos,
including rides. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Thames & Hudson
30 Bloomsbury Street
London, England
WC1B 3QP
ISBN: 0 500 27070 8
Price:
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EXPOSITIONS, EXHIBITS, INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE FAIRS (1968)
By Wolfgang Clasen. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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FAIRFIELD FOLK (1986)
By Francis Brown. This book concentrates on the people & families as
we follow their careers in the fair business. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Malvern Publishing Company
England
ISBN: ISBN 0 947993 24 X
Price:
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A FAIR FIGHT (19 )
"An Illustrated Review of Boxing on British Fairgrounds"
By Vanessa Toulmin. This reviews the history, the people involved
and the life they led. Showmen families in the field are
documented along with photographs. Also discussed are women who
competed, sometimes against men. Finally, the decline is shown after
controls were introduced coupled with the difficulty in locating
suitable boxers. *(Not Reviewed.) Thanks to Robert Currey of Oldham,
Lancashire, England for the book suggestion.
Published By:
World's Fair Publications
2 Daltry Street
Oldham, UK
OL1 4BB
ISBN: 0 9501414 4 5
Price: 12.95 (UK Funds)
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THE FAIRGROUND ALBUM (19 )
By Malcolm Slater. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Slater Photo Sales & Publishing
7 Malvern Close
Huntington, Yorkshire
England
YO3 9RP
ISBN: ISBN 1 87139 02 0
Price:
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FAIRGROUND ARCHITECTURE: (1968)
"The World of Amusement Parks, Carnivals, and Fairs"
By David Braithwaite. Looks at the attractions and exhibits. *(Not
Reviewed.)
Published By:
Hugh Evelyn
9 Fitzroy Square
London, W1
England
ISBN: ISBN 238 789985
Price:
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FAIRGROUND ART (1985)
By Geoff Weedon and Richard Ward. Although primarily concerned
with carousels, this large book covers all aspects of amusement
park art, including sideshow banners, orchestrions, band organs
and carnival rides. *(The carousel coverage is especially
complete, dealing with German "karuselles," English roundabouts,
the famous Coney Island Steeplechase horse race ride, racing
derbies, and so on. All of the major American carousel
manufacturers are also covered in detail. A fine book.) Book
suggestion and review courtesy of Seth Briliant, Atlantic City.
New Jersey, U.S.A.
Published by: Price: $95 (U.S. Funds)
Abbeville Press (May now be found for
505 Park Avenue $30 - $45 U.S.)
New York, New York
U.S.A
ISBN: 0-89659-529-3
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FAIRGROUND ART FORMS OF TRAVELING FAIRS, CAROUSELS,
AND CARNIVAL MIDWAYS (1981)
By Geoff Weedon and Richard Ward. Likely the same book as above.
Published By:
White Mouse Editions
London, England
ISBN:
Price:
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FAIRGROUND ENGINES IN FOCUS ( ?? )
By John Crawley. We assume this to be a book on power sources for
fairground rides and lighting. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
John Crawley
Field House
Turvey, Bedfordshire
England
MK43 8DU
ISBN: 09508036 1 4
Price:
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FAIRGROUND HERITAGE ( ?? )
By Peter Wilkes. There are 2 books in the series. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Trent Valley Publications
Dalebrook Road
Winshill, Burton-On-Trent
England
DE15 0AD
ISBN: Book 1: 0948131 24 1
Book 2: 0948131 28 4
Price:
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FAIRGROUND STEAM ( ?? )
By Anthony Beaumont. We assume this to be a look at steam-operated
rides and calliopes. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Model & Allied Publications
13/35 Bridge Street
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
England
ISBN:
Price:
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FAIRS AND REVELS ( ?? )
By Brian Jewell. This book gives a history of fairs, dwelling mostly
on the oldest ones, with some on rides and contemporary shows. *(Not
Reviewed.)
Published By:
Midas Books
12 Dene Way
Speldhurst
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
England
TN3 0NX
ISBN: 0 85936 068 7
Price:
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FAIRS, PAST AND PRESENT: (1883)
"A Chapter in the History of Commerce"
By Cornelius Walford. *(Not Reviewed.)
Reprinted in 1968 By:
A.M. Kelly
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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GOING TO THE FAIR (1993)
(Turn of the Century)
By Gill Tanner and Sheila Jackson(Illustrator). *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $14.95 (U.S. Funds)
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THE GREAT AMERICAN FAIR (1984)
By Reid Badger. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Nelson hall Publishers
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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THE GREAT EXHIBITIONS (1977)
By John Allwood. Discusses over 70 fairs up to Expo 70, with many
photos. Lists all fairs with statistical information. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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HISTORIC FAIRGROUND SCENES (1977)
By Michael Ware. A picture book showing scenes from fairs of olde.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Moorland Publishing Company
England
ISBN: ISBN 0903485 33 8
Price:
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HISTORY OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS: (1939)
"Their Classifications, Functions, and Values"
By H. Waters. After a short history, Waters discusses promotion and
organization of all types of fairs. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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HISTORY OF THE SHOWMEN'S GUILD (19 )
By Thomas Murphy. The story of the famous organization. *(Not
Reviewed.)
Published By:
World's Fair Limited
2 Daltry Street
Oldham, England
ISBN:
Price:
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIRS (1989)
"Firms and Government Exhibits"
By Philip J. Rosson and F.H. Rolf Seringhaus.
*(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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JUMP ON, JUMP ON: (19 ? )
"Traditional Fairs and Showmen"
By Brian Steptoe. This book details British ride makers and profiles a
number of show families. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Jumper Books
99 McCarthy Way
Wokingham, Berkshire,
England RG40 4UB
(0118) 973-4131
ISBN: 0 902830 33 3
Price: 19.95 (U.K. Funds)
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MEET ME AT THE FAIR (1997)
"Country, State, and World's Fairs & Expositions"
By Judy Alter. A history of fairs in the United States traces their
evolution from small animal exhibitions in the early nineteenth
century to modern day events featuring midways, junk food, and famous
entertainers. Discussed are The 1893 Columbian Exposition, The 1939
New York World's Fair, and other major exhibitions that served as
cultural barometers of their time. Archival photographs, many in
color, accompany the fast-moving text. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Franklin Watts
ISBN:
Price: $21.00
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MEN AT WORK: (2003)
"The Fairground Artists and Artisans of Orton & Spooner"
By Alan Howell. This book details Alan's fairground artist father,
Sid, and his grandfather, Albert. They became renowned for
producing wagons for fairground showmen and eventually all
kinds of fairground devices. The book follows Albert's progress
from art school and apprenticeship to his days at Orton & Spooner
painting vivid jungle scenes on the rounding boards of the
great Scenic Railways of the 1900s. Sid's life is charted through
the height of his career as chief artist at Orton & Spooner and
beyond. 128 pages. 200+ photos. *(Not Reviewed.)
Pubished By: ISBN: 0-9544573-1-5)
Skelter Publishing
3 Connaught Road, Price: 19.99 (U.K. Funds)
St Albans, Herts -Joyland Books
AL3 5RX
Skelter Publishing
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MIDWAYS, JUDGES, AND SMOOTH-TOUNGUED FAKIRS (1983)
"The Illustrated Story of Country Fairs in the Prairie West"
By David Jones. This profiles, the rural fairs of the Canadian
Praries from the 1890's into the 1930's. It has over 80 photos;
many are full page. One chapter devotes itself to the traveling
carnivals and shows which toured the Canadian prairie exhibitonm
circuit. It discusses at length the judging process, its problems,
and how it evolved to try to solve those problems. A chart is included
which shows the number os fairs for each province for each year, and
how they greatelky declined in the 1930's tough weather and economic
conditions. *(Recommended. This is a different book about Canadian
fairs. It concentrates greatly on the people of the fairs - both
the patrons and the organisers, but with a lean towards the social
and economic aspects. A detrement is that although there are a large
number of photos, the reproduction is too contrasty to make out
smaller details.)
MIDWAYS, JUDGES, AND SMOOTH-TOUNGUED FAKIRS
(continued)
Published By:
Western Producer Prairie Books
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(A Member of The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool)
ISBN: 0-88833-099-5
Price:
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A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN CARNIVAL (1972)
By Joe McKennon. This large format book comes in two volumes and
concentrates on mainly rides. It starts with world's fairs and
discusses in detail The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, with
particular attention paid to Ferris' Wheel. From there it details
various carnival operators and their rides. *(Recommended. There are
lots of pictures of antique rides and discussions of carnival
operations. A bonus is a list of carnivals in the appendix.)
Published By:
Carnival Publishers
Sarasota, Florida
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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SELECTED LIST OF REFERENCES ON
FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS, 1928 - 1939 (1938)
By ?. This is bibliographic listings of publications fitting the above
title for the given 11-year span. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Division of Biography
Library of Congress
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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THE STORY OF EXHIBITIONS (1951)
By Kenneth Lockhurst. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
Studio Publications
London, England
ISBN:
Price:
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TORONTO (1989 ?)
This book is borderline for this category but includes Canada's
Wonderland, Ontario Place, Centreville Amusement park, and The
Canadian National Exhibition, hence its inclusion here. It's a
picture book showing views of Toronto with areas like the Theater
District, CN Tower/Skydome, several of the forts in the area,
museums, and other tourist attractions. *(The pictures are nice and
reproduction quality is good. I especially like the day and night
shots of the now-gone "Flyer" coaster at The CNE. There is also
an excellent picture of Casa Loma at night.)
Published By: Price: $7.99 (Cdn. Funds)
Royal Specialty Sales
11 Industrial Street
Toronto, Ontario
M4G 1Z2
ISBN: 19713-9-89 ?
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TORONTO AND NIAGARA FALLS (1996)
This book is also borderline for this category. It is really about
the above locations and their surrounding area. However, Canada's
Wonderland and The Canadian National Exhibition are shown, hence this
book's inclusion here. *(Highly recommended. The pictures and photo
reproduction quality are tops. Views of Wonderland and The CNE are
here, but so are The CN Tower, Skydome, The Ontario Science Centre,
Toronto Zoo, Ontario Place, Eaton Centre, plus other shopping areas,
museums, and universities. The views of Niagara Falls are spectacular,
especially the night views with the coloured lighting on the water.
Write-ups accompany each photo spread.)
Published By: Distributed By:
Casa Editrice Bonechi ArtBooks & Souvenirs
Italy 1337 St Clare Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
ISBN: 88-8029-569-1 M6E 1C3
(416) 651-3310
Price: $14.95 (Cdn. Funds)
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WILD MOUSE (1999)
By Derek McCormack and Chris Chambers. This book is one that
would not ordinarily be shown here, as fictional books are
not part of the CEC book lists. It contains short stories set
during The Depression and poems set from 1972 through 1997 which
revisit carnivals, sites of childhood fantasies, adolescent
longings and adult nostalgia. It's included here because there
are 18 rare Canadian National Exhibition archival photographs
included. *(Not Reviewed.) Book suggested by Victor Canfield of
Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Published By:
Pedlar Press
Station P
Box 26
Toronto, ON
M5S 2S6
ISBN: 0-968I884-4-3
Price:
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