Professor Risley and the Imperial Japanese Troupe: How an American Acrobat Introduced Circus to Japan--and Japan to the West
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.12 (743 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1611720095 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 336 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2017-05-26 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
It's a captivating story about a pioneer in international entertainment."The Japan Times"If you have any interest in Japanese history -- whatsoever -- pick up this book. "There have been some intriguing biographies of seminal Japanese cultural figures in recent years.Schodt’s work on the audacious and brilliant Professor Risley takes its place among these fine works." Kyoto Journal, Dec. Schodt knocked this title out of the park. 2014"A fascinating narrative In chronicling Risley's checkered and colorful career, Schodt illuminates the rivalries and precariousness of the circus business and portrays vividly this early encounter between Japan and the West." (Recommended for all readers
"Lively, smart entertainment" according to David. Starring a globe-trotting, Victorian show business adventurer, this is a story of East meeting West, and of America meeting and challenging the world. Richard Risley Carlisle, known professionally as “Professor Risley”, was a bona fide show business superstar in the 1800’s. As a professional acrobat, Risley performed an act that would still astound and entertain today. His physical prowess, daring and showmanship brought him the acclaim of the public, and his artistry earned him the esteem of the well-mannered upper crust.A great story by itself, but, . "Risley Rocks" according to FHG. and Schodt rocks too! This book will enchant you beyond belief. It's the kind of book you need to tumble across, because you would never look for it since it would never occur to you that such a story is out there. Late 1900s: an American acrobat/businessman/crook decides that it is time for San Franciscans to be exposed to Japanese acrobatics.and unleashes a world-wide fad for Japanese circus, creates global celebrities, wins it all, loses it allwhere is the Hollywood movie??? Schodt really has an unusual gift for telling a meticulously researched piece of forgotten hi. User #17 said Historical connections abound. Who would have thought that a troupe of circus performers could shape history. Schodt's book traces the many interconnected facets of Japanese culture and their effect on Western popular entertainment. Interesting stuff.
His accounts of these first meetings between Westerners and Japanese shed new light on how different cultures meet, mingle, and influence each other. Frederik L. Schodt has at long last unveiled the fascinating story of 'Professor Risley.' Circus scholars, history buffs, and anyone with an ounce of curiosity should be grateful to him."—Dominique Jando, Circopedia"Professor" Risley (Richard Risley Carlisle) introduced the Western circus to Japan in 1864. Descriptions of crowds, dazzling routines, and superstar troupe performers like the famous Little All Right are a delightful revelation to anyone interested in Asia, the circus, and popular entertainment.Frederik L. Schodt has authored numerous books about Japan, including Manga! Manga! and Native American in the Land of the Shogun. Over the next few years, the Troupe performed before presidents, monarchs, and ordinary citizens. "Frederik L. Schodt argues compellingly that such early popular entertainments helped stir a curiosity about all things Japanese that eventually led to japonisme, The Mikado, and, in our time, the boom in manga and anime.Schodt's depiction of Risley and his troupe is enlivened by portraits of the circus demimonde and supported by nineteenth-century photographs, posters, and drawings, many in color. Three years later, this former ac