The Circus of Dr. Lao
The Circus of Dr. Lao
C.G. Finney
Illustrated by Gordon Noel Fish
Published by Grey Walls Press 1948
£85
First edition,thus, 8vo. (23x15x2.5cm), original unclipped dustjacket illustrated by Gordon Noel Fish, small portions of the dustjacket are missing (c.2,5cm at head, c. 1.5cm at tail of spine), page edges slightly grubby but a very sound copy, internally good.
A curious novel which won the award of The Most Original Book in 1935 in USA where it was first published. The circus contains mythological creatures who interact with members of the public to surreal effect. Illustrated many times, there was also a film made in 1964. At the end of the book is a 'catalogue' listing and describing the animals, people, places mentioned in the book, e.g. Sphinx, Mermaid, Chimera, etc.
Fish illustrated very few books, this was his first. He married in 1951, changed his name to Noel Fisher, had 2 children and took up teaching. It's an old story. A pity.