Sawdust & Spangles: Stories & Secrets of the Circus

"Sawdust & Spangles: Stories & Secrets of the Circus" by W. C. Coup is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the author’s experiences as a prominent showman in the circus world, reflecting on the vibrant yet challenging nature of circus life during its heyday. Coup shares stories of his adventures, the fascinating personalities he encountered, and the animals he worked with, providing readers with insights into the inner workings of the circus. The opening of the narrative introduces Coup's boyhood experiences that led him to join the circus at a young age, when he was enchanted by the thrill and travel associated with this extraordinary vocation. He recounts humorous and thrilling anecdotes, such as a close encounter with an elephant and the rough and tumble of circus life. The descriptions of the characters around him, including fellow showmen and the lively audience, paint a vivid picture of the social and cultural dynamics of the era. Keen on sharing the realities of circus life, Coup’s recollections blend humor, excitement, and occasional peril, drawing readers into the unique world of early American circuses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Cameron Coup was a Wisconsin businessman who partnered with P. T. Barnum and Dan Castello in 1870 to form the "P. T. Barnum's Museum, Menagerie and Circus". Previously Barnum had a museum at a fixed location in New York City and the traveling circus allowed him to bring his curiosities to more paying customers. Coup's innovations were the circus train to transport the materials from town to town. He also came up with the concept of adding a second ring in 1872 and a third ring to the circus in 1881 to allow more people to view the events.