This rich collection of readings offers a wide-ranging and authoritative survey of clown practices, history and theory, from the origins of the word clown through to contemporary clowning. Covering clowns in theatre, circus, cinema, TV, street and elsewhere, the author's stimulating narrative challenges assumptions and turns orthodoxy on its head.

Based on three years of research and countless conversations with clowns, this portrayal of the warmth, humor, and dedication of clowns from ancient to modern times includes numerous previously unpublished photographs