Subject
Aerialists -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Vance Barnum
Joe Strong on the Trapeze; Or, The Daring Feats of a Young Circus Performer
"Joe Strong on the Trapeze; Or, The Daring Feats of a Young Circus Performer" by Vance Barnum is a fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Joe Strong, a young and aspiring magician and trapeze artist, who embarks on a thrilling adventure in the circus world. With a background in performing magic and acrobatics, Joe faces challenges, forms friendships, and navigates the complexities of circus life while striving for success and recognition. At the start of the narrative, Joe is performing a series of magic tricks alongside his mentor, Professor Alonzo Rosello, during a show. The performance takes a dangerous turn when the professor's "fire trick" goes awry, leading Joe to display quick thinking and bravery to avert a catastrophe. The opening passages introduce Joe's character, his backstory, including his connection to circus heritage, and express his passion for performance. As Joe contemplates his future, he receives a tempting offer from a rival circus, prompting him to reflect on his aspirations and the potential for new beginnings in the turbulent and exciting world of circus entertainment.
Vance Barnum
Joe Strong on the high wire : $b or, Motor-cycle perils of the air
"Joe Strong on the High Wire: or, Motor-cycle Perils of the Air" by Vance Barnum is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers on the daring exploits of Joe Strong, a circus performer known for his nerve and innovations, as he embarks on developing a breathtaking act involving riding a motor-cycle across a high wire. Set against the lively backdrop of circus life and early motor technology, the story promises thrills, inventive problem-solving, and a cast of friends and rivals typical of the era’s juvenile fiction. The opening of the book introduces Joe Strong as he prepares to leave the circus, having filled in for his friend Ben Turton as the "boy fish" in an aquatic act featuring a trained sea-lion. With Ben now recovered and back in his role, Joe plans to pursue a new challenge: creating a sensational act riding a motor-cycle on a high wire. As he departs the circus and travels toward a manufacturer to develop his apparatus, Joe becomes entangled in a roadside accident, heroically rescuing two men from an overturned automobile. This incident hints at future connections but is quickly followed by a detailed account of Joe’s experiments, setbacks, and eventual breakthrough in making his daring high-wire motor-cycle act a reality. The narrative is fast-paced, blending circus camaraderie, mechanical ingenuity, and the personal determination of its youthful protagonist.
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