Icelandic historian calls for research into forgotten circus history

Historian Stefán Pálsson is calling for academic research into the forgotten history of Icelandic circus performers, magicians, and other entertainers. He notes that while Icelandic history contains many examples of performers who captivated audiences with unusual feats, these individuals have largely been excluded from historical records because their profession was once viewed as low-class or improper.

Pálsson highlights a recent interview with a 94-year-old former circus performer, famous for pulling vehicles with his teeth, as an example of the rich but overlooked stories available. He suggests that a concerted effort by scholars could shed new light on the cultural history of entertainers, including illusionists, animal trainers, and early cinema exhibitors.