The Ricky Jay Collection

ASTLEY, Philip (1742 – 1814). ASTLEY’S SYSTEM OF EQUESTRIAN EDUCATION. Lambeth: C. Creed, [1801]. Original plain boards (scuffed and worn) backed in cloth. Engraved silhouette frontispiece of Astley. Folding plates. 8vo. Dampstains, but generally good condition. Widely regarded as the father of the modern circus, Astley’s first shows were strictly demonstrations of equestrian feats. His first performance was on April 4, 1768, but only two years later he incorporated other acts – jugglers, clowns, and acrobats – to fill time between the horseback riding spectacles, thus creating the format of the modern circus.