For more than seven decades the circuses enjoyed tremendous popularity in the Soviet Union. How did the circusmdash;an institution that dethroned figures of authority and refused any orderly narrative structuremdash;become such a cultural mainstay in a state known for blunt and didactic messages? Miriam Neirick argues that the variety; flexibility; and indeterminacy of the modern circus accounted for its appeal not only to diverse viewers but also to the Soviet state. In a society where government-legitimating myths underwent periodic revision; the circus proved a supple medium of communication. Between 1919 and 1991; it variously displayed the triumph of the Bolshevik revolution; the beauty of the new Soviet man and woman; the vulnerability of the enemy during World War II; the prosperity of the postwar Soviet household; and the Soviet mission of international peacemdash;all while entertaining the public with the acrobats; elephants; and clowns. With its unique ability to meet and reconcile the demands of both state and society; the Soviet circus became the unlikely darling of Soviet culture and an entertainment whose usefulness and popularity stemmed from its ambiguity.
#1038155 in eBooks 2012-09-26 2012-09-26File Name: B009LO3UXU
Review
1 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Serves its Purpose. but its in no way Unique.By MarkThis book is just a highlight of "controversial" issues with Urban Planning. but nothing more. Theres no debate. its very one sided with little debate or conflict within any of the articles themselves. and few of those articles are countered with opposing articles by other articles (although there are some).Worst of all. each article is highly opinionated and most are short. Most are equivalent to a single spaced page on a MS word document and could have been written by any HS student. in class. with no preparation and no research.However. I give this some merit in that if youre just trying to understand the basics. or get some opinions about eminent domain and its effect on communities and individuals (great if its not YOUR house being bulldozed for a new neighborhood/project/highway) then this book would serve you well.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A particularly valuable guide for classroom study and debate.By Midwest Book ReviewCollege-level collections strong in urban planning and land use issues need this collection. which outlines issues in urban planning and comes from Planetizen. the webs source of news and details for the planning community. Experts in the field offer debates and arguments on some of ht most controversial issues facing modern urban designers. making for a particularly valuable guide for classroom study and debate.Diane C. DonovanCalifornia Bookwatch
