Performing in Japan: Amusing Anecdotes and Helpful Hints. By Brad Zupp. Hareh Publishing, $13.95 post­paid. ISBN 0-9641002-5-8.

Readers who might enjoy a tale of busking in far-off lands will enjoy this brief (80 pg.) journal, but it does not focus on juggling. Zupp recalls the story of a lucrative five-week gig at a Japanese theme park with lively style and the inside perspective of a veteran (it's his sixth job there). He paints an accurate picture of the wonders and the warts alike, and talks about life outside the theme park fence as much as his experiences on the job. He speaks some Japanese, but it doesn't keep him from getting lost on trains. He enjoys the company of other internationals working at the park, but misses his girlfriend.

The author announced to his family at age 9 that he would be an entertainer, and has followed that dream since. Now 25, he has performed in a dozen countries, graduated from Ringling Brothers Clown College, and spent two years with RBB&B on the road. He says his next project is another book, "Big Time Interviews With Performers About Success."

Juggling &: Feats of Dexterity (Amazing Acts of Skill and Subtlety for the Domestic Arena). 1993, Anness Publishing Limited. ISBN 0-8212-2048­9. Library of Congress Card #93-71052.

This hardcover book was copyrighted in 1993 but is disguised as a volume that was printed sometime in the 1800's. It is written with a wry wit and its tongue is planted firmly in its cheek as it is mostly a piece of entertainment, NOT an instructional manual.

It is small, 3x5 inches and 95 pages, but chockfull of antique and original artwork and photographs of jugglers and other circus performers. Almost all the instructional content is valid (though very basic) and is presented in a very matter of fact manner employing language conventions of that early era.

For example, in a discussion of using scarves to learn the basic pattern... "Thus we shall spend much of our time in this 'manual' exploring the basic manoeuvres with kerchiefs; and let the other varieties of 'props' - perhaps baubles acquired through confiscation from an indigent ­ be dealt with elsewhere..."

And for the under-the-Ieg throw... "This is not altogether a manoeuvre fitting for execution in the presence of ladies and the youthful; yet it may raise many a merry laugh among the men of the world, so long as the minds concerned are pure of intent."

And finally, in discussing the the apple on the fork trick... "I include this feat, should any readers be sufficiently slack­witted as to wish to perform it."

I highly recommend this book for its comic entertainment value as well as the wonderful collection of artwork. But you aren't going to learn any new tricks from it. Enjoy!

Modern Club Swinging and Pole Spinning. By Anna Jillings. Butterfingers, UK. 8.95 pounds sterling. ISBN: 095132408X.

Club swinging seems to be more popular in Europe than in the USA, so it is no surprise that the first two books on the subject in 80 years should both come from Europe. The author of this one, Anna Jillings, has performed and taught juggling and club swinging in England for about 4 years. She is especially noted for her fire and UV shows (with Oxford's Fire Noise and then with Cosmos in York), and her workshops at London's Circus Space. She has written about the juggling scene for a couple of years as British correspondent for "Kaskade".

The combination of her skills is apparent in the way this book is clearly and logically set out into exercises, from simple parallel arm swings through several varieties of snake, fountain and waist wraps. A final chapter on basic pole spinning is almost an afterthought, but gives a good taste for the skill. Perhaps more useful are the occasional remarks about similarities between some of the club and pole moves.

"Modem Club Swinging" is written as a series of workshops beginning from ground zero. Those who can manage a few moves already can begin reading later chapters. Anna's workshop experience has helped her anticipate and coach learners through most problems they will encounter. There's even a trouble-shooting guide at the back, along with basic information on developing a show, mass swinging routines, and use of fire and "black" light.

The design is very attractive, from the glossy airbrushed cover to the bold print summaries of each move. Spiral binding would have permitted it to lay flat and be studied, but the perfect binding is more aesthetically pleasing. Illustrator Julie Wilson presents clear and friendly diagrams of the moves. Each picture is immediately self-explanatory, a point not only

beneficial but vital for such a dynamic skill.

Because it shows that club swinging has something for everyone, this is a very useful addition to any juggler's shelf for performance, exercise or personal pleasure.