Circles of Delight: Classic Carousels of San Francisco by Aaron Shepard

Circles of Delight: Classic Carousels of San Francisco by Aaron Shepard

• Pages:124
• Publisher:Shepard Publications
• Publication date:08/01/2016
• ISBN-13:9780938497691

 

My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

My Review:

 

This book Circles of Delight is truly a delight to the senses. It reminds you of the music that surrounds you as you spin on bobbing horses and other animals. It reminds you of the simple pleasure that takes place standing beside your little one as they magically twirl around and around on fantastically designed animals.

The fun of choosing the horse or zebra, lion or giraffe that calls out to you to climb aboard and ride away to a magical place, all comes back to you in full force as you look at one photo after another of these amazingly crafted works of art.

When you see a carousel, you may not realize just how elaborate the design, the detail and the artwork actually is. By examining Circles of Delight, you are afforded an up close, slow motion view of exactly what you are missing as your animal of choice is bobbing up and down in a casual dance to the cacophony of music.

After reading this book, I have realized that I had missed a lot of these details. Tiny wreaths of lifelike flowers garland around the horse’s neck, macabre faces peering from the back panel as you proceed in the endless circle. Animals caught with open mouth roars, lolling tongues, and armored plates with rearing front legs and prancing back legs on brilliantly vividly painted bodies.

I was provided this copy by NetGalley and the publishers and offer this honest review of the book. It is a wonderful way to explore something that was taken for granted while enjoying the sights and sounds of the day on a carousel.

Each carousel in three different parks in San Francisco is represented in the photographs included in this book.

San Francisco Zoo Carousel

Yerba Buena Gardens Carousel

Golden Gate Park Carousel

Each story is well versed in history and restoration histories as well as a little nugget of personal interest. The simple variety of animals will astound as you see giraffes, lions, tiger, ram, stag, and even a few camels. I have never personally liked to ride in the chariots, so I have missed the details that are carved into these seats. I will certainly be visiting these carousels next visit to San Francisco. I never knew what I was missing.

My Recommendation:

If you love the intricacy of carved wood, you will love this book. An animal lover’s delight and a carousel fan’s must have. These are just a sampling of the beauty that is in store for you in this beautiful book.

Where to Find: Circles of Delight :

This paperback book is available at Barnes and Noble and other fine bookstores.
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