PICTURE THIS

CIRCUS WORK 1968-2018 by Peter Lavery (Handheld £49.99, 132pp)

IN 1768, cavalry officer Philip Astley hired acrobats, jugglers and a clown to accompany his exciting new horse show — and the modern circus was born. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Big Top and it is being celebrated by events across the country, including an exhibition of photographer Peter Lavery’s work. From tightrope-walkers to trapeze artists, this fabulous companion book is perfect for those in search of sequins and sawdust.