Careers of Danger and Daring

In "Careers of Danger and Daring," a book not meant for the faint of heart, author Cleveland Moffett profiles deep sea divers, steeple climbers, dynamite workers and others engaged in dangerous and thrilling occupations at the turn of the 20th century. Moffett provides anecdotes vividly illustrating the danger and thrills of vocations ranging from sea pilot ("What Canadian Pilots Did in the Cataracts of the Nile") to bridge builder ("The Experiences of Two Novices in Balancing Along Narrow Girders") and also profiles two of the most perilous circus careers: aerial acrobat and wild beast tamer. With chronicles of spectacular falls by acrobats and narrow escapes by lion tamers, "Careers of Danger and Daring" offers a thrilling and even frightening glimpse into the dangers faced by circus performers of this era.