Now available in paperback; this volume presents a theory of the circus as a secular ritual and introduces a method to analyze its performances as multimodal discourse. The books fifteen chapters cover the range of circus specialties (magic; domestic and wild animal training; acrobatics; and clowning) and provide examples to show how cultural meaning is produced; extended and amplified by circus performances. Bouissac is one of the worlds leading authorities on circus ethnography and semiotics and this work is grounded on research conducted over a 50 year span in Europe; Asia; Australia and the Americas.It concludes with a reflection on the potentially subversive power of this discourse and its contemporary use by activists. Throughout; it endeavours to develop an analytical approach that is mindful of the epistemological traps of both positivism and postmodernist license. It brings semiotics and ethnography to bear on the realm of the circus.
#1382387 in eBooks 2013-03-01 2013-03-01File Name: B00BGOPQ0S
Review
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Testimonies to SurvivalBy Elizabeth GouldJan Rosenbergs THESE ARE OUR STORIES makes an important contribution to the field of domestic violence study/prevention. Combining her skills as a folklorist and as a chaplain; Rosenberg presents eleven womens stories of survival. All of these personal experience stories are troubling but impressive and moving. Part of Rosenbergs introduction conveys the impact of the womens stories: "Ive re-read the transcripts; and have listened again to the tapes. I continue to shake my head in wonder at how a person can do this to another. My breath catches when I listen to a scene revealed in tears; in exclamations. I feel strongly that these stories need to be shared; but shared in a constructive way" (4). The author certainly succeeds in creating a constructive framework for the sharing of these powerful stories; her book includes an information guide for abused women; a list of resources; and a bibliography. I highly recommend this book for folklorists; domestic violence professionals; and general readers.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Jumbled...By MJI tried to read it and was very disappointed. The price is extremely high and the writing is very poorly done!! Save your money..0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. AwfulBy love to readToo much like another book I read. She took someone elses idea and tried to copy it..with no success. Very poorly written!