Davey’s Adventures with the Clyde Beatty by Jane Beatty and Ann Pinchot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a terrific book! I’ve read quite a bit, experienced and have friends with many circus tales. This volume covers so much in such a short book. The book is intended for children as is explained early in the book. Yet, there are a number of mature instances of responsibility, not including that Davey’s family let’s him go off to the circus by himself for almost two weeks. I could see the temporary morays of today’s public being up-in-arms about some content in the book.

Setting that aside, Davey’s experiences are very well written and described. There is a lot of concisely written description included. From clown makeup application to setting up circus tents.
A little side note: If my animal rights friends had read this book,they would never have protested a circus. 🙂
Reading this book had me wondering if Beatty and Pinchot had made up situations described. But, as I read, it synced with so much I’ve read and experienced. The writing is just that well done.

I also found the descriptions of Clyde Beatty’s involvement true to life. You’d think, wife, Jane would have her husband throughout the book. Instead he only makes a few appearances involving encounters with Davey, as a circus owner would in real life.

A very impressive volume. Could it be longer? More extensive? Sure. But this works just right.

One issue is the placement of photographs. There are obviously photos that match the narrative, but, instead, the photos are scattered across the book and only early few match the writing.

Florida connection: Clyde Beatty Circus had their Winter Quarters near DeLand, Florida. The only location mentioned beyond “Today’s Town” was Snake River at one point. Otherwise, none of the circus stops described , or the photographs, mention location. Even when the Winter Quarters are noted, the location of that is not stated.

Bottom line: i recommend this book. 10 out of 10 points.

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