Nights at the Circus

In "Nights at the Circus," Angela Carter weaves a fantastical tale of the indomitable Fevvers, a winged trapeze artist with a mysterious past. Set against the backdrop of a traveling circus, her story unfolds through the eyes of a skeptical journalist eager to uncover the truth. As Fevvers navigates the surreal world of performance and illusion, she challenges societal norms and explores themes of gender and identity. With rich, poetic language, Carter invites readers to question reality and embrace the extraordinary. Will you dare to enter the magical realm of the circus and uncover the wonders that lie within?

By Angela Carter

Published: 1986

""I am a woman, and I will not be trapped by others' expectations, for my spirit is as wild and untamed as the night itself.""

Nights at the CircusBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction From the master of the literary supernatural and author of The Bloody Chamber, her acclaimed novel about the exploits of a circus performer who is part-woman, part-swan Sophi Fevvers—the toast of Europe's capitals, courted by the Prince of Wales, painted by Toulouse-Lautrec—is an aerialiste extraordinaire, star of Colonel Kearney's circus. She is also part woman, part swan. Jack Walser, an American journalist, is on a quest to discover Fevvers's true identity: Is she part swan or all fake? Dazzled by his love for Fevvers, and desperate for the scoop of a lifetime, Walser joins the circus on its tour. The journey takes him—and the reader—on an intoxicating trip through turn-of-the-century London, St. Petersburg, and Siberia—a tour so magical that only Angela Carter could have created it.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Nights at the Circus

About the Author

A

Angela Carter

Angela Carter (1940–1992) was a renowned British author known for her groundbreaking contributions to feminist literature and magical realism. Her notable works include 'The Bloody Chamber,' a collection of reimagined fairy tales that explore themes of sexuality and power, and 'Nights at the Circus,' which blends fantasy and realism through the story of a circus performer with wings. Carter's writing is characterized by rich, poetic language and an exploration of the grotesque, often subverting traditional narratives to challenge societal norms.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Angela Carter
Published
March 1986
Publisher
Penguin
ISBN
0140077030
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
FantasyFiction

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The ThiefBook binding

The Thief

Megan Whalen Turner

The Priory of the Orange TreeBook binding

The Priory of the Orange Tree

Samantha Shannon

Black Leopard, Red WolfBook binding

Black Leopard, Red Wolf

Marlon James

The Lady from ZagrebBook binding

The Lady from Zagreb

Philip Kerr

The System of the WorldBook binding

The System of the World

Neal Stephenson

What Technology WantsBook binding

What Technology Wants

Kevin Kelly

Slaughterhouse-FiveBook binding

Slaughterhouse-Five

Kurt Vonnegut

The Woman in WhiteBook binding

The Woman in White

Wilkie Collins

The Boys of My YouthBook binding

The Boys of My Youth

Jo Ann Beard

User FriendlyBook binding

User Friendly

Cliff Kuang, Robert Fabricant

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our FamiliesBook binding

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families

Philip Gourevitch

A Million Little PiecesBook binding

A Million Little Pieces

James Frey

Barbarian DaysBook binding

Barbarian Days

William Finnegan

Richard FeynmanBook binding

Richard Feynman

John Gribbin, Mary Gribbin

2001: a Space OdysseyBook binding

2001: a Space Odyssey

Arthur C. Clarke

FantasylandBook binding

Fantasyland

Kurt Andersen

A Sound of Thunder and Other StoriesBook binding

A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories

Ray Bradbury

The Science of Fairy TalesBook binding

The Science of Fairy Tales

Edwin Sidney Hartland

How Not to WriteBook binding

How Not to Write

William Safire

The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)Book binding

The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)

Colson Whitehead

The Neverending StoryBook binding

The Neverending Story

Michael Ende

The Seven Spiritual Laws of SuccessBook binding

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

Deepak Chopra

The Ocean at the End of the LaneBook binding

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Neil Gaiman

The Bloody Chamber, and Other StoriesBook binding

The Bloody Chamber, and Other Stories

Angela Carter

CrudoBook binding

Crudo

Olivia Laing

The Clockwork UniverseBook binding

The Clockwork Universe

Edward Dolnick

Half the SkyBook binding

Half the Sky

Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn

The Fantasy BondBook binding

The Fantasy Bond

Robert W. Firestone, Richard Seiden, Joyce Catlett

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection
Astro Teller's Book Recommendations

Astro Teller's Book Recommendations

Astro Teller is an American entrepreneur, scientist, and the CEO of X (formerly Google X), Alphabet’s innovation lab dedicated to developing groundbreaking technologies. Often referred to as "Captain of Moonshots," Teller leads a team focused on tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges through radical solutions. Under his leadership, X has worked on projects like self-driving cars (Waymo), internet balloons (Loon), and delivery drones (Wing). Teller holds a PhD in artificial intelligence and has a deep background in science and technology, blending his technical expertise with a passion for innovation. He is a proponent of a fail-fast approach, encouraging experimentation and learning from failure as integral parts of the innovation process. Teller’s work at X has placed him at the forefront of the tech world’s quest for transformative technologies. Outside of his work at X, he is an accomplished author, having written both fiction and non-fiction, and is an advocate for the future of AI and robotics.

View Collection
Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations

Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations

Alexey Moiseenkov is a Russian entrepreneur and tech innovator best known for creating Prisma, the groundbreaking mobile app that transforms photos into artworks using artificial intelligence. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work in AI and digital transformation has influenced contemporary discussions on the intersection of technology and art. Moiseenkov's contributions have been featured in various tech and innovation journals, highlighting his impact on modern digital culture. His work underscores the evolving narrative of creativity in the digital age, bridging the gap between artistic expression and technological advancement. Moiseenkov continues to inspire through his ongoing ventures in AI and entrepreneurship.

View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Books That Became Blockbusters

Books That Became Blockbusters

The Books That Became Blockbusters collection showcases stories that captivated readers and audiences alike, transforming into iconic films and series. Starting with Dune, this epic tale of power and destiny in a desert world has thrilled both book lovers and moviegoers with its sweeping scale and intricate politics. All the Light We Cannot See brings World War II-era France to life, with a heart-wrenching story that resonates both on the page and on screen. For romance enthusiasts, The Notebook and The Time Traveler’s Wife explore love that transcends time and circumstances, while The Fault in Our Stars offers a poignant portrayal of young love facing insurmountable odds. The Three-Body Problem and A Game of Thrones are perfect for fans of science fiction and fantasy, with complex plots that have sparked successful adaptations on both streaming and cable platforms. Fight Club and The Great Gatsby delve into the darker sides of human nature, becoming cinematic masterpieces that continue to spark conversation. The Martian combines survival with humor in a thrilling Mars adventure, while Ready Player One immerses readers in a futuristic world filled with virtual reality and pop culture. Lastly, The Hunger Games delivers a dystopian saga of rebellion and survival that has become a cultural phenomenon. This collection is ideal for those who enjoy seeing their favorite books brought to life in theaters and on TV.

View Collection
Guillermo del Toro's Book Recommendations

Guillermo del Toro's Book Recommendations

Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican filmmaker, author, and producer known for his dark fantasy and horror films, including Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Del Toro’s films often blend elements of fairy tales with gothic horror, exploring themes of humanity and monstrosity. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for The Shape of Water in 2018. Del Toro is also a passionate advocate for the preservation of film history and a mentor to emerging filmmakers. His unique visual style and storytelling have made him one of the most respected directors in modern cinema.

View Collection
Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer is an American singer-songwriter, author, and performance artist, best known for her work as a solo artist and as part of the band The Dresden Dolls. Palmer is known for her theatrical performances, genre-blending music, and her strong connection with her fanbase. She has been a pioneer in crowdfunding, raising millions to fund her creative projects through platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon. Palmer is also the author of The Art of Asking, where she explores themes of vulnerability, creativity, and connection. Her work transcends traditional music, blending performance art, activism, and community engagement.

View Collection
Adam Fisher's Book Recommendations

Adam Fisher's Book Recommendations

Adam Fisher is an acclaimed author known for his incisive contributions to contemporary literature, particularly in the realm of speculative fiction. His debut novel, "The Quantum Enigma," garnered critical acclaim for its innovative narrative structure and profound philosophical insights. Fisher's work often explores the intersections of technology, society, and human consciousness, earning him a dedicated readership and several literary awards. He has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent literary journals, further cementing his reputation as a formidable thinker. Beyond his writing, Fisher is a passionate advocate for literacy and education, frequently engaging in community outreach and mentorship programs.

View Collection

"I am a woman, and I will not be trapped by others' expectations, for my spirit is as wild and untamed as the night itself."

Nights at the Circus

By Angela Carter

Frequently Asked Questions