3-085-618 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Messrs. Barnum and Bailey's "Greatest Show On Earth" at Olympia, 1898. '"Gracious! Algy, I'm certain someone is trying to pick my pocket"; the development of the new woman climax - a clown!; the late General Gordon's messenger; the Whirling Dervishes; "Yer know, if I kep' that up fer long, 'Arry, I shud git giddy!"; doleful effect of trying to watch the performances in the three rings all at once; the Three-Horned Cow; "Is that the cow with the crumpled horn you weaded to me about, Mummy?"; "Wot price the 'airless 'orse, Billiam? Abart two to one, Barnum, I shud say".' It must be...admitted that for sheer magnitude and variety Messrs. Barnum and Bailey's Show, which opened at Olympia on Boxing Day, fully deserves its high-sounding title..this week our Artist illustrates the humours of the display in its effect upon the gaping thousands who daily crowd Olympia in wide-eyed wonder. The three distinct circus-rings, with their varied performances, the mimic Soudan War, the vast spectacle entitled "The Mahdi," the great menagerie, the tragi-comic humanity represented by the "freaks" - all these and a hundred other features must be seen to be appreciated at their true attractiveness. Suffice it that together they form "the Greatest Show on Earth".' From "Illustrated London News", 1898.