A classic textbook of acrobatics was first published in 1931 by Professor Paulinetti.
Robert L. Jones made additions in a 1945 edition.
It might have been lost to us except that Logan Christopher edited a new edition in 2007.
Not inexpensive at $49 plus shipping and handling, I must admit, this is one of the very best of the old manuals from the 1930s.
Logan will be pleased, but not surprised, that I give this text a very strong endorsement. It’s both entertaining and educational. I’ve emailed a recommendation for it to Keith Russell and Hardy Fink of the F.I.G.
Professor Paulinetti’s story is fascinating. He toured as an acrobat from 1892 until 1923. Paulinetti did this headstand atop one of the prominent buildings in Calcutta in 1920.
Paulinetti’s student, Robert Jones, went on to perform feats of strength and balance beyond his mentor, including (reportedly) handstand supported only on two thumbs.
In later years photographs of feats of hand balancing began to be collected. The photos are, perhaps, the highlight of the book.
You mght recall that I once quibbled with the name of one of Christopher’s sites: The Lost Art of Handbalancing.
Fact is there are more great hand balancers today than ever before in history. The Cirque performer, coached by Andre Simard, who showed 1-arm handstand on a swinging trapeze, for one example.
That Lost Art site is for the general public. Acrobatic coaches would be more interested in one of Logan’s other projects, his Legendary Strength blog.
Bottom line, … I beg Logan to next research the history of hand balancing in the Chinese and Russian circus schools. What hand balancing was done by clowns in ancient Egypt?
We need that sequel.
Click through for book details: The True Art and Science of Hand Balancing
(Warning: this page is filled with more hyperbole and salesmanship than any other I’ve seen for years.)
Gymnastics Coaching.com 