[.uk] The Life of P.T. Barnum (ISBN 1596050128)

A Humbugger for the Ages:
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.

Communist Introduction:
Even though this is the only edition of Barnum's autobiography in print it's advisable to skip this edition as the introducer is one of a proliferating number of reductive political hacks scheming at the cultural studies fringes who have weaseled into positions of "advisers" "editors" "introducers" and similar jobs extraneous to writing proper at publishing houses. Among them Caleb Crane who has used his homosexuality to secure positions at The Modern Library & NYT Book Review, S.T. Joshi leftist historical fabricator extraordinaire, and the current specimen a dogmatic Marxist who has authored a scurrilous tome purporting that Edgar Allen Poe secretly reduced the slave figures of pre civil war America, among other delusions. In doing this he follows his predecessor Rufus W. Griswold only the offences change, overdrinking was the politically incorrect gaffe in Griswolds time. What a poverty stricken outsider would gain by such activities is not explained, not even considering it's blasé materialistic crudity as interpretation. So unless you plan on ripping out the conceited Stalinist introduction avoid this book.

Disrespectful packaging of an American classic.:
P.T. Barnum was a creative force in the worlds of advertising, museums, entertainment and finally, the circus. He was also a politician who held two high offices. He supported the northern view of the Civil War, he was anti-slavery, he constantly fought to bring the rich and powerful and regular folk together under one roof. He believed in the American Dream and that those that came to America had the curiosity to find out what was on the other side of the ocean for themselves. It was this same curiosity that led them inside museums and under the big top. He coined many phrases and terms used freely today. P.T. Barnum created worlds similar to worlds written by authors Frank L. Baum (the Oz books) and Mark Twain. Perhaps P.T. Barnum is not the best person to tell that story, but the book is a classic American tale of an American legend. Too bad it was packaged with mocking commentary on the cover and introduction which was completely inappropriate for display on one's bookshelf. It is difficult to tell why the publishers would sell the book when they have such obvious disdain for it. Everyone will always remember Barnum and not even buyers of the book will recall the names of the authors, but still, this is certainly not the way an autobiography should be published. Imagine buying a book of famous portraits only to find that the publishers have drawn mustaches on each one. As a collector, this is a waste, wait for another edition.

Oh what a life!:
Phineas Taylor Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891), American showman who is best remembered for his entertaining hoaxes and for founding the circus that eventually became Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In Brooklyn, New York in 1871, he established "P.T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan, and Circus", a traveling amalgamation of circus, menagerie and museum of "freaks", which by 1872 was billing itself as "The Greatest Show on Earth". There's a sucker born every minute" is a phrase often credited to P.T. Barnum. However, when Barnum's biographer tried to track down when Barnum had uttered this phrase, all of Barnum's friends and acquaintances told him it was out of character. Barnum's credo was more along the lines of "there's a customer born every minute" -- he wanted to find ways to draw new customers in all the time because competition was fierce and people bored easily Barnum wrote several books, including The Humbugs of the World (1865), Struggles and Triumphs (1869), and his Autobiography (first in 1854, and later editions including 1869). Barnum is a treat to read and is never boring! I highly recommend his books.

only himself could write it:
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.