The American State Fair

by Derek Nelson

A nostalgic look at state fairs from the Civil War through the 1950s explores the individual events that gave the fairs their unique character, from livestock exhibits and carnival rides to freak shows and automobile races.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[Anthony McGill]

I find these nostalgia books irresistible and this one is no exception. Beautifully designed, crammed full of fascinating images of the past. Although we in Melbourne have an annual show which lasts for more than a week and country towns have their own community events every year throughout Australia, I have always looked upon the 'State Fair' as very much an American institution.

This book is a delightful mix of more than 200 photos and posters depicting every aspect of state fair activities - sideshows, animals, machinery, crazy rides, wacky feats - all these crazy fun filled antics accompanied by a lively written history, all come alive here.
Fun reading!