Pallenberg Wonder Bears – From the Beginning (ebook)
Pallenberg Wonder Bears – From the Beginning
By Peggy Adler and Dibirma Jean Burnham
WONDER BEAR TALK: On Monday, July 15th at 1:00pm, Peggy Adler will be giving a talk about Emil Pallenberg and his Wonder Bears (including the story of Carmichael, Jack Benny's polar bear) at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education located at Assumption University in Worcester, MA. For more information go to https://assumptionwise.org/event-5785177/Registration
EMIL PALLENBERG (1888 to 1963) has been nominated for the 2025 Circus Ring of Fame 's Lifetime Achievement Award: https://www.circusringoffame.org/individual-inductees/
https://youtu.be/NmY9NQNMZ0M: Pallenbergs and a Wonder Bear in 1928
https://ippyawards.com/
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).
-- Margaret Lane, Reviewer
-- 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 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!"
PALLENBERG WONDER BEARS - FROM THE BEGINNING has been honored with a listing in the "2023 FORCES OF GEEK HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE" https://forcesofgeek.com/welcome-to-the-2023-forces-of-geek-holiday-gift-guide-part-four-books-literature/
“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/)