Pallenberg Wonder Bears – From the Beginning (softcover)
By Peggy Adler and Dibirma Jean Burnham
https://ippyawards.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeN1P2Uq0lc
BOOK REVIEW - Reviewer's Bookwatch, March 2024/Margaret Lane's Bookshelf:
Critique: Presented in a chronological history from 1854 to 1917, "Pallenberg Wonder Bears - From the Beginning" is laid out in meticulous detail and will have an immense and enduring appeal to readers with an interest in the history of the American Circus and it's animal acts. Especially recommended for community and college/university collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Pallenberg Wonder Bears - From the Beginning" is also available for personal reading lists in a paperback edition (9798887710327, $28.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).
Editorial Note: Peggy Adler (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy_Adler) has illustrated two dozen titles for various trade book publishers and provided art for the Bronx Zoo; the Humane Society of the United States; the Journal of Theoretical Biology; the Journal of Algebra; and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She is also a Marquis Who's Who Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement honoree; a 2001 recipient of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers' General Richard G. Stilwell Award.; and is a former police commissioner and softball coach, who currently chairs the Town of Clinton, Connecticut's Historic District Commission.
ISBN 9798887710327
206 pages
8.5x11
“Pallenberg Wonder Bears – From the Beginning is a captivating narrative you couldn’t have dreamed up, but won’t want to put down. I’ve been in publishing for a long time and at this point it takes something really unique to raise my eyebrows -- and this story certainly did, from the very first page.”
-- Justin Race, Director, Purdue University Press
“The rich history of Pallenberg's Wonder Bears has been brought to life through the meticulous research of Peggy Adler and Dibirma Jean Burnham. They weave together the fascinating story of the world's most famous bear act through newly revealed documents and rare photographs that transport the reader back to an era when audiences marveled at Emil Pallenberg’s skillful training and embraced the performances of his amazing bears.”
-- Chris Berry, Circus Historian
Carmichael, Jack Benny's Polar Bear at otrcat.com
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW, Reviewer's Bookwatch
February 2024
Peggy Adler and Dibirma Jean Burnham have compiled an exhaustive compendium of the history of the Pallenberg Bears. I do not believe anything else like this exists in its depth and breadth. I'm certain this will be the "go to" research book in the future if anyone wants to learn their story. There is an historical time-line, copious photo's, a family genealogy, an extensive Glossary, and a copy of the handwritten memoir of Emil! This is all backed up by a comprehensive Bibliography. All in all this is a breathtaking publication. The Pallenbergs should be honored to have their family history so enshrined and so well documented. And Peggy Adler and Dibirma Jean Burnham should receive the accolades they so richly deserve for their incredible efforts."
-- Dennis B. Zinn, Reviewer
BOOK REVIEW by Emeritus at ias.edu:
"I just finished all of this wonderful bear book (I left the glossary for last). It is both interesting and very entertaining at the same time. Peggy Adler has found her element with historical books, and I hope she does more!"
Here's what Don Covington, past President of the Circus Hostorical Society (CHS) had to say -- after watching Peggy Adler and Dibirma Jean Burnham being interviewed by Circus Historian Chris Berry in the December 17, 2023 edition of "Circus History Live!" "I was enthralled by the depth of information on the Pallenbergs and their bears and by the interconnections between the family and so many other circus notables. I'm sure other circus historians would join me in thanking you for highlighting the major influence that the Pallenbergs had on popular entertainment. The images were absolutely fascinating. Including them in the presentation brought a whole new dimension to the discussion. My congratulations to everyone involved for a delightful excursion into circus history." If you missed the show, you can catch it at CHS' youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeN1P2Uq0lc
“THIS BOOK WAS A SURPRISE .... AND A DELIGHTFUL ONE AT THAT"
I found this to be a refreshingly different and delightful read. BEARS tells the true love story of a family and their world -- spanning more than a century. Though I was well informed by the author’s words, my wealth of knowledge was enriched further by the extensive gallery of documents and photos.”
-- Frederic (Freddie) Gershon (https://www.freddiegershon.com/)