If This Is a Man to shape the book, giving it a clear sense of direction. In January 1947, the manuscript was rejected by Einaudi. The writers Cesare Pavese and Natalia Ginzburg thought it too early after the war for such an account. Levi managed to find a smaller publisher, De Silva, who printed 2,500 copies of the book, 1,500 of which were sold, mostly in Levi's hometown of Turin. In 1955, Levi signed a contract with Einaudi for a new edition, which was published in 1958. The initial printing of 2000 copies was followed by a second of the same size. An English translation
Every Soul is a Circus <poem> Every soul is a circus Every mind is a tent Every heart is a sawdust ring Where the circling race is spent. </poem> The ballet's theme is Everywoman's inner desire to be the center of attention and the ridiculous lengths to which she will go to attain that end. As Empress of the Arena, the lead female dancer imagines herself as the star of every act. In a vignette with the Ringmaster and Acrobat, she is the apex of a love triangle. In another scene, she performs a romantic duet as the Ringmaster's beloved. But after taking her "star