Ringling Remembered: Through the Eyes of a Circus Clown Paperback – January 1, 2019

Mr. Severini is a wonderful storyteller. The way he describes his experiences makes it feel like you're hearing a story from an old friend. I lament being too young to travel with the Greatest Show on Earth but through these stories I feel like I've been transported there.

I, too, thought about running away from traditional college to clown college back in the 70s when I heard gals were being admitted. Ironically, I now live in Venice FL, former winter home of the Ringling Barnum and Bailey Circus and the Clown College (I'm still trying to learn to juggle). This book isn't in our local library! I'm campaigning for that because it takes the reader on a personal journey that is touching, funny, historical, and full of love for circus days and folks so many of us hold dear to our hearts. It's the only book I've read straight through in years. It's that engaging. Thanks, Ron Severini!

First of all I ordered the e-book and while I wish I had the physical book ( which I may order in the future ) the e-book is easier for me at this time. I am a shriner clown and have only been one for about 7 years now but have been a clown enthusiast all my life. I have performed in circuses and other venues and have always wondered what it would have been like to have gone to the Ringling Clown College and then be a part of the Greatest Show On Earth. Well let me tell you that after reading this book I wonder a little less. Mr Severini gives you a look into the past at this coveted college from his perspective and almost makes you feel like you were there. I am so happy to have read this book. I literally could not put it down. Each of the short stories enclosed in this amazing book gives you yet another look into a different part of the circus and what it meant to be a clown in it. Of course there is one thing that makes me sad about this book and that is the fact that I can not go to this college otherwise I am so happy to have read it and been taken on the journey of what it was like to be a Ringling Clown. Thank you so much Mr. Severini for a wonderful enlightening read. Please if you read my review take my word for it and buy this book, you will not regret it.

Ron Severini has given us front row seats and backstage passes to the bygone world of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's "Greatest Show on Earth." This collection of circus stories is a gem that reveals even more the second time through. Join the adventures of those who worked together to bring laughter and awe to millions of families across America. These are beautifully written glimpses into lives spent on the train and behind the scenes of the circus that was said to be "Alone in its Greatness." Photos and illustrations add to the appreciation of true circus legends.

Since you can not run away and join the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus anymore (like I did in 1981), this book is the next best thing to being there! Written by a man who lived it; first as a professional clown, then as the Dean and Director of Ringling Clown College. He worked with some of the great old time clowns and taught and produced many of the great modern day clowns. This book tells that story in a fun and insightful way. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I am also a former Ringling Circus performer and I knew May of the people in this book. It is a very nice inside personal look at their lives. And why we have sawdust in our veins.

Ron Severini does a masterful job of storytelling about clowning and life with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey when it truly was The Greatest Show on Earth.I had the pleasure of working there some of those years and so knew many of the people Ron wrote about. The book was a marvelous trip down memory lane in addition to introducing things I was not aware of.Highly recommended for any circus fan or anyone else curious about life on and around the show.

Book showed up clearly used. Ripped and bent back cover and binding is worn. It’s all fine but $30 for a used paper back is a tad steep.