Circusland Schweiz

The circus is part of Swiss folk culture. This book not only takes its readers on an interesting journey through time but also on an exciting quest that has only been partially explored so far.

The union of jugglers, acrobats, and animals into artist societies also sparked great enthusiasm in Switzerland. On Swiss soil, a rich circus scene was able to establish itself, which, despite all adversities, has managed to maintain a high level thanks to its adaptability.

This book traces the emergence – and often the decline – of various companies and confronts readers with events and fates that have shaped the industry to this day. The author does not limit himself to just the Gassers, Knies, Montis, Nocks, or Steys. He also sheds light on the European circus competition that traveled through Switzerland, which set high standards and contributed to a strong sense of quality and rich diversity.

Thus, this book is an important reference work beyond national borders, not only for circus enthusiasts but also for supporters of Swiss folk culture. In addition to text and images, the book gains an extra dimension thanks to access to a digitized film database.