Rogers, firmly committed to championing the artist community, will remain on the Topspin board of directors and serve as Executive Chairman.

ENGADGET: Beats Electronics announces project Daisy music service, appoints new CEO

Also on board were British and Australian historians and scientific specialists including a botanist, botanical artist and astronomer.

BBC: Cook's tours

But when he sticks to his own subject, Mr. Wall allows readers to share his wonder at the circus world's arcane jargon: a "board muffin" (assistant standing on the top perch to help the trapeze artist) uses a "noodle" (hooked staff) to catch the trapeze.

WSJ: Book Review: The Ordinary Acrobat