Dan Rice: The Most Famous Man You've Never Heard Of

by David Carlyon

Dan Rice had many lives. He was a pig presenter, a strongman, a lecturer, and a comic singer, all before joining the dazzling world of the circus. In 1855, he created Dan Rice's Great Show. Labeling himself the "Great American Humorist," he toured the country and spoke out on issues of the day before large crowds. Swept up in a new cult of celebrity, he rose to become one of the most famous -- and infamous -- men in America. He even ran for president. So why have so few people ever heard of Dan Rice? Propelled by an urge toward "refinement," American amusements began to stratify in the mid-19th century. The raucous antebellum jumble of performers, audiences, and forms split along a new performance hierarchy of high and low. Circus, though still vastly popular, became seen as lowbrow. In that changed world, Rice's aggressive humor and robust connection with a noisy, participatory audience became seen as crude -- and worse -- a civic threat.

David Carlyon weaves a remarkably rich portrait of turbulent times that raised one ambitious, creative man to glorious heights and then, embarrassed by its enthusiasm, buried him in sentimentality and finally oblivion.

Genres: History, Biography

528 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never heard of this man until I read this book. Dan Rice was an early vaudevillian, politician, writer and celebrity of the mid-late 19th century, whose life was filled with humor and variety. Mr. Carlyon offers a richly detailed, fascinating glimpse at celebrity well over 100 years ago.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish there was a shelf for "gave up". I don't give up on books very often, but this book just didn't grab me. I've got a shelf full of more interesting books that have called me away from it. Maybe I'll get back to it someday.

[Judith Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a book full of Americana during the 1840 - 1660's about a travelling circus. It was written more like a textbook than a biography of Dan Rice.
I personally learned much about that ime period of the coming of the Civil War and after.

[Heidi Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my, what a difficult book to get threw. Must we use so many dumb words for things that make no sense at times. Interesting facts about the man. It didn't need to be text book boring. I swear if that man uses
Antebellum one more time....

[Diana Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

May be a bit wordy, but I did learn about the life and times of the beginnings of what became circus life. Interesting for the historical aspect.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great concept to write about an interesting, forgotten man, but poorly executed. It felt like it was all over the place, and didn't engage me in the least.