The Life of P.T. Barnum [Paperback]

P. T. Barnum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

This is the story of P.T. Barnum, the world-renowned showman, written by the man himself. It tells of "his early life and struggles; bold ventures and brilliant successes; wonderful career in which he made and lost fortunes, captivated kings, queens, nobility, and millions of people; his genius, wit, eloquence, public benefactor, [and] life as a citizen." It is "a remarkable story, abounding in fascinating incidents, thrilling episodes, and marvelous achievements." Barnum wrote, "That my narrative is interspersed with amusing incidents, and even the recital of some very practical jokes, is simply because my natural disposition impels me to look upon the brighter side of life, and I hope my humorous experiences will entertain my readers as much as they were enjoyed by myself."

Product Details

• Paperback: 412 pages
• Publisher: Cosimo Classics (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596050128
• ISBN-13: 978-1596050129
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #789,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Notorious Barnum, November 8, 2000

By 

pogirl "pogirl" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of P. T. Barnum, Written by Himself (Paperback)

This is the first modern version of Barnum's original 1855 autobiography. Barnum not only admits that deception made him rich, he also takes great pleasure in recounting his notorious "humbugs." All in all, this is a fascinating and startling story told by one of the founders of American mass culture.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Humbugger for the Ages, December 3, 2001

By 

George Schaefer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of P. T. Barnum, Written by Himself (Paperback)

One of the most ambiguous figures in American history is P.T. Barnum. He was a legendary showman, curator, writer, entrepreneur--but he was also known for his humbugs. Many of his great successes were based on scamming and frauding the American public.

He was a master of marketing and advertising. His ability to manipulate the media was a precursor for much of American life in the last 150 years. Barnum had a genius for drawing in the crowd and creating scandals. He was often the one who exposed his own frauds.

This autobiography provides a fascinating glimpse into the man behind the legend and myth. Barnum begins with childhood and works his way through his life up to that point. This one is the original autobiography written in 1855. Many of his great triumphs like General Tom Thumb and the Jenny Lind tour had already taken place.

It should be remembered that Barnum is telling his own tale so it would be wise to maintain a cynical stance when reading this tale. I often found myself nodding with agreement at what I was reading and then pausing to consider that Barnum may have been hoodwinking the reader.

Overall, this is a compelling read in spite potential exaggerations. Barnum, for better or worse, is one of the most famous of all American showman. He set the stage for much of the entertainment world since his time. I found myself disdainful of some of his excesses but I came away with an overall appreciation for this man.

The American landscape is richer for having him. He has provided us with one of our greatest myths.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars only himself could write it, November 17, 2006

By 

Scott C. Locklin "Selectos nisi das mihi libe... (Berkeley CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Life of P. T. Barnum, Written by Himself (Paperback)

Barnum is one of my "great american heroes." This is his life in his own words, written at the peak of his fame and success, and before bad things began to make him bitter. He is cocky, bemused, hilarious and thoroughly full of beans: he knows it and revels in it. If you ever have an interest in self promotion or promotion of any kind, read this book. Learn from the greatest master of marketing of all time.