Books: Three-Ring Tale

BIG SHOW—Charles Cooke—Harper ($2.50).

Since the death last year of Dexter Fellows, circus pressagent extraordinary and perennial, the literature of the circus has seemed as subdued as mourning. With Big Show, the first novel of a circus-loving staff member of The New Yorker, the circus goes to town in bigger & better literary spangles than ever. A three-ring romance presenting a tender love story, an engaging dog story and authentic circus life, Big Show shares with Dexter Fellows' ballyhoo the distinction of being frequently livelier than the circus itself.

The story contains many a...