Skip to content

The circus of Dr. Lao

Pages
154
Published
1935
Language
English

Synopsis

The sleepy town of Abalone, Arizona, is forever changed when the mysterious Dr. Lao brings his circus to town. Instead of typical sideshow acts, the citizens encounter mythical beings like a chimera, Medusa, and a talking sphinx, forcing them to confront profound truths about themselves and their lives. As the magical and macabre circus unfolds, it shatters illusions, reveals secret dreads, and brings the dead back to life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone it touches.

About the author

C
Charles G. Finney

Charles G. Finney was an American journalist and author, known primarily for his first novel The Circus of Doctor Lao, which won the inaugural National Book Award in 1935 for Most Original Book. His stories combine modernism and fantasy in a unique way that was an influence on many authors, notably Ray Bradbury. He served with the US Army in the late 20s, which is the subject of his only autobiographical work, the Old China Hands. He lived most of his life in Pima, Arizona where he worked as...

Characters

Dr. LaoProtagonist
ChimeraSupporting
MedusaSupporting
The SphinxSupporting
Sea SerpentSupporting
All characters in The circus of Dr. Lao