This book is actually a 1927 condensed and edited compilation of 2 autobiographical books written by Barnum. It’s a delightful facsimile edition of 450 pages with 48 additional illustrations. This is a rags to riches story, “ presenting Barnum’s own story as he himself first set it down, without regard to the qualms and tremors of respectability which gradually overcame the franker side of his nature”. Barnum was a tireless promoter and entertainer, and probably the best known American of his time. There are the hoaxs and scams – the “Feejee mermaid” – half monkey, half fish; Tom Thumb, “the smallest person who ever walked alone” was presented as an 11 year old but was really only 4; the Siamese twins and the bearded lady.
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