Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

The Ricky Jay Collection

Sat, Feb 25, 2023 12:00PM EST
Lot 21

ASTLEY, Philip (1742 – 1814). Astley’s System of Equestrian...

Estimate: $200 - $400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
ASTLEY, Philip (1742 ? 1814). ASTLEY?S SYSTEM OF EQUESTRIAN EDUCATION. Lambeth: C. Creed, [1801]. Original plain boards (scuffed and worn) backed in cloth. Engraved silhouette frontispiece of Astley. Folding plates. 8vo. Dampstains, but generally good condition. Widely regarded as the father of the modern circus, Astley?s first shows were strictly demonstrations of equestrian feats. His first performance was on April 4, 1768, but only two years later he incorporated other acts ? jugglers, clowns, and acrobats ? to fill time between the horseback riding spectacles, thus creating the format of the modern circus.