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Publications & Projects

Through the touring years years in showbusiness, progress on elective research and writing projects moved like a glacier. But like a glacier, the force behind it is powerful and relentless. Therefore in recent years several of these research projects have finally made it into print, joining the books on performing arts specialties first published in the 1980s.This page summarizes publications currently available --- and in the pipeline --- first in performing arts and related topics, then in other areas of under-the-radar history.

Since 1983 Variety Arts Press has been the publisher of books by the journalist/editor, historian, museum professional, and performing artist Reginald W. Bacon. To read descriptions of the books, preview selected pages, and purchase books securely online via PayPal, scroll down to the list of books below, or go directly to the companion web site at Variety Arts Press.

New in in 2019, The Throwback Series aims to serve the professional and recreational juggling community by publishing new annotated editions of rare early 20th-century instructional literature on the juggler's craft; and publishing the remaining works of R.W. Bacon, some close to 50 years in the making, on acrobatic juggling technique, training, and performance. Read more about The Throwback Series at the companion web site at Variety Arts Press.


Available Variety Arts Press titles ... listed by publication date

Click on a title and you'll go straight to the full description page.

COMING SOON! Jazzin' On 4 Strings: Hot Hazz in Chicago Tuning for Tenor Banjo, Tenor Guitar, Baritone Ukulele, Banjo Uke, and More (2023) by Reginald W. Bacon a.k.a. "Mr. Slim."

The Juggler's Anthology of Venerable Veracities: Practical Instruction, Applied Physics, & Insightful Observations from Early Published Works on the Juggler's Craft (2021) (Compiled with context & commentary by Reginald W. Bacon) (A new title in The Throwback Series).

The Juggler's Trilogy of Timeless Techniques: All Three Rare Books of Arcane Early-20th-Century Juggling Artistry in One Volume (2021) by Anglo (Thomas Horton), Will Goldston, & Rupert Ingalese (compiled with context & commentary by Reginald W. Bacon) (A new title in The Throwback Series)

The Juggler's Alphabet Book: The ABCs of Inspiration, Encouragement, History, and Fun for Literate Jugglers of All Ages (2019) by Reginald W. Bacon.

The Micro-Historian's Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions: Step-by-Step Research Planning & Execution (2018) by Reginald W. Bacon.

Chauncey Richmond & "The Old Buckbee": The Story of a Banjo, Its Maker, and Its Player (2018) by Reginald W. Bacon.

The HABs and the HABs NOTs: Documenting the Architecture of Newburyport in the Historic American Buildings Survey (2017) by Reginald W. Bacon.

Vintage from Vinyl: Early Recordings of the Goodtime Ragtime Vaudeville Revival (Book & CD set) (2017) by Reginald W. Bacon.

The Visitor's Guide to the Weeks Brick House & Gardens (2015) by Reginald W. Bacon.

The Wesley H. Bacon Reader: Pursuits, Passions, & Peregrinations of a 20th-Century Autodidact (2015) by Wesley H. Bacon (memoirs, short stories, & scripts compiled & edited by Reginald W. Bacon).

The Cranky Typographer's Book of Major Annoyances: Helpful Graphics Tips for Do-It-Yourself Designers (2014) by Reginald W. Bacon.

The Cranky Editor's Book of Intolerable Fox Paws (Oops! Faux Pas!): Helpful Writing & Style Tips So You Won't Look Stoopid (2014) by Reginald W. Bacon.

Early Families of Middletown, Conn. - Vol. I: 1650-1654 (2012) by Reginald W. Bacon.

Just a Tot in Tannersville: The Recollections of a Railroad Avenue Boy on the Busy Summer Life of the 1950s (Two books in one, incorporating A Micro-History of the Tannersville Four-Corners) (2011) by Reginald W. Bacon.

3 1/2 Centuries in Greenland: The Weeks Brick House Farm of Greenland, N.H. (2010) by Neill DePaoli, Ph.D.

The Juggler's Manual of Manipulative Miscellanea: The Classic Skills with Top Hat, Cane, Plates, Nesting Cups, and Assorted Objects (1984) by Reginald W. Bacon a.k.a "Mr. Slim". (A juggling "best-seller" now part of The Throwback Series.)

The Juggler's Manual of Cigar Box Manipulation & Balance (1983) by Reginald W. Bacon a.k.a. "Mr. Slim". (A juggling "best-seller" now part of The Throwback Series.)

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Juggling, vaudeville, & performance-related books in the works ...

Below are some of the book projects that inch along towards completion. The books on stage acro-juggling performance will include material developed over many decades, but held back until the author's full retirement from commercial showbusiness. Note that most completion dates are tentative, and are dependent on a multitude of variables.


Other projects in the works ...

Below are some projects that have always sparked enthusiasm, but have always slipped down on the priority list. A multitude of variables --- including client work that pays green money --- has delayed these projects, but the hope is to tackle them while still mentally and physically capable!