Esme of Paris - by Esme Davis - 1944 Vintage Hardcover Book

The book was made in compliance with U.S. government directives limiting paper bulk during wartime (likely World War II era). It has stamps suggesting it was likely part of a library for U.S. service members stationed in Nuremberg-Fürth, Germany.

Esme of Paris is the autobiographical account of Esme Davis, chronicling her unconventional life as an artist, dancer, circus trapeze performer, and perfume maker. The narrative details her childhood, which was spent largely in the backstage world of show business, and her deep affection for animals, including leopards and snakes, which she treated on par with humans. Esme spent little time with her parents, instead living in a world of trained-animal acts and circus life. She chronicles her experiences traveling and working in various, often dangerous, entertainment roles. The memoir highlights her development into a self-reliant woman with a unique, artistic perspective on life.