Books with author P T Barnum

P. T. Barnum's career of showmanship and charlatanry was marked by a surprising undercurrent of honesty and forthrightness. His exuberant autobiography forms a happy combination of all those traits, revealing the whole story of his world-famous hoaxes and publicity stunts. Here is a pageant of nineteenth-century America's gullibility and thirst for marvels, as told by the master of revels himself.A born storyteller, Barnum recalls his association with Tom Thumb, his audience with Queen Victoria, and his trouble keeping Jenny Lind's angelic image intact during a trying tour. He tells of Jumbo, the most famous elephant in history, from the creature's heroic arrival in America to its tragic death in a railroad accident; of his attempts to transfer Shakespeare's house and Madame Tussaud's Waxworks from England to New York; and of his triumphant reentry into public life after financial failure and five disastrous fires had all but wiped him out. The true-life tale of a man of boundless imagination and indomitable energy, Barnum's autobiography embodies the spirit of America's most exciting boom years.

P. T. Barnum, the great American showman of the 19th century, wrote this short book about making and keeping money. He certainly had life experiences that qualify him for the subject--he started a small newspaper in his twenties, bought and transformed a museum into a showplace for curiosities, built a circus empire that gave performances in America and Europe, promoted a performing tour of a singer, fell into debt in the 1850s and pulled himself out by lecture tours, was a mayor, and founded a hospital. Excerpts: "Those who really desire to attain an independence, have only to set their minds upon it, and adopt the proper means, as they do in regard to any other object which they wish to accomplish, and the thing is easily done. But however easy it may be found to make money, I have no doubt many of my hearers will agree it is the most difficult thing in the world to keep it. ... True economy consists in always making the income exceed the out-go." "Unless a man enters upon the vocation intended for him by nature, and best suited to his peculiar genius, he cannot succeed. I am glad to believe that the majority of persons do find their right vocation. Yet we see many who have mistaken their calling..." His advice is indicated by the chapter titles: DON'T MISTAKE YOUR VOCATION, SELECT THE RIGHT LOCATION, AVOID DEBT, PERSEVERE, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT, USE THE BEST TOOLS, DON'T GET ABOVE YOUR BUSINESS, LEARN SOMETHING USEFUL, LET HOPE PREDOMINATE, BUT BE NOT TOO VISIONARY, DO NOT SCATTER YOUR POWERS, BE SYSTEMATIC, READ THE NEWSPAPERS, BEWARE OF "OUTSIDE OPERATIONS", DON'T INDORSE WITHOUT SECURITY, ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, "DON'T READ THE OTHER SIDE", BE POLITE AND KIND TO YOUR CUSTOMERS, BE CHARITABLE, DON'T BLAB, PRESERVE YOUR INTEGRITY.

The True Life of the World's Greatest ShowmanThe True Life of PT Barnum "The show business has all phases and grades of dignity, from the exhibition of a monkey to the exposition of that highest art in music or the drama, which entrances empires and secures for the gifted artist a world-wide fame which princes well might envy. Men, women and children, who cannot live on gravity alone, need something to satisfy their gayer, lighter moods and hours, and he who ministers to this want is in a business established by the Author of our nature. If he worthily fulfills his mission, and amuses without corrupting, he need never feel that he has lived in vain. " PT Barnum From the Publisher The original autobiography of the World's Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum, now translated to modern English and illustrated with new images of his amazing ground-breaking acts. Phineas Taylor Barnum came from humble means to revolutionize the entertainment industry of his time and lay the foundation of the entertainment industry we know today. His visionary ability to create and market new and innovative acts transformed the world and moved society forward towards a new era of understanding and inclusiveness. His marketing skill and shrewd business skills transformed common and mundane acts into "must see" cultural events. Barnum skill as a showman included marketing such unique features as educated dogs, industrious fleas, automatons, jugglers, ventriloquists, living statuary, tableaux, gypsies, albinos, fat boys, giants, dwarfs, rope-dancers, live "Yankees," pantomime, instrumental music, singing and dancing in great variety, dioramas, panoramas, models of Niagara, Dublin, Paris, and Jerusalem; Hannington's dioramas of the Creation, the Deluge, Fairy Grotto, Storm at Sea; the first English Punch and Judy in this country, Italian Fantoceini, mechanical figures, fancy glass-blowing, knitting machines and other triumphs in the mechanical arts; dissolving views, American Indians, who enacted their warlike and religious ceremonies on the stage, -- these, among others, entertained audiences by the tens of thousands and made Barnum a fortune and made his name synonymous with show business. But Barnum's genius was not limited to parlor tricks and freak shows, although this was a common criticism of his shows. His well-earned title of the World's Greatest Showman was earned by his ability to evolve his show and his techniques throughout his career. Originally, Barnum was able to transform men like Charles Sherwood Stratton, a dwarf who had been the subject of ridicule throughout his entire life, into famous characters such as "General Tom Thumb," a regal and authoritative figure who would stand before the Queen of England. Another illustration of Barnum's amazing showman abilities is perhaps best showcased in his signing of the "Swedish Nightingale" Jenny Lind, a favorite opera singer of the elite members of Victorian Era's society. Barnum signed Lind and included her in his tour, considerably raising the bar and perception of his performances. How amazing would it have been to see P.T. Barnum in his prime, to listen to him describe his inspirations and his journey, and to understand how almost two hundred years ago he began his path towards becoming the World's Greatest Showman. Now, thanks to the re-publication of this volume, complete with new illustrations, we can hear Barnum's story from his own pen directly in his own words. We hope you enjoy pulling up a chair and sitting down for a conversation with the World's Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum.

One of the most important financial books ever written. Following the practical advice herein will lead to increased wealth. Those who really desire to attain an independence, have only to set their minds upon it, and adopt the proper means, as they do in regard to any other object which they wish to accomplish, and the thing is easily done. But however easy it may be found to make money, I have no doubt many of my hearers will agree it is the most difficult thing in the world to keep it. The road to wealth is, as Dr. Franklin truly says, "as plain as the road to the mill."

P. T. Barnum's career of showmanship and charlatanry was marked by a surprising undercurrent of honesty and forthrightness. His exuberant autobiography forms a happy combination of all those traits, revealing the whole story of his world-famous hoaxes and publicity stunts. Here is a pageant of nineteenth-century America's gullibility and thirst for marvels, as told by the master of revels himself.A born storyteller, Barnum recalls his association with Tom Thumb, his audience with Queen Victoria, and his trouble keeping Jenny Lind's angelic image intact during a trying tour. He tells of Jumbo, the most famous elephant in history, from the creature's heroic arrival in America to its tragic death in a railroad accident; of his attempts to transfer Shakespeare's house and Madame Tussaud's Waxworks from England to New York; and of his triumphant reentry into public life after financial failure and five disastrous fires had all but wiped him out. The true-life tale of a man of boundless imagination and indomitable energy, Barnum's autobiography embodies the spirit of America's most exciting boom years.

"A visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation." -'The Greatest Showman' movie website."Not only readable, but absolutely fascinating ... brilliant." -Herald of Health, 1870“What a book!” –The Atlantic, 1922 "Delicious egotism which pervades ... characterized by Mr. Barnum's strongly marked and thoroughly American individuality." -The Eclectic Magazine, 1870 P.T. Barnum was hailed as an icon of American spirit and ingenuity, and was perhaps the most famous American in the world. The circus business was the source of much of Barnum’s enduring fame. He established "P. T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome", a traveling circus, menagerie and museum of "freaks", which adopted many names over the years.Starting in 1842, Barnum opened the first of the great "museums" of curiosities and freaks, adding immeasurably to the gaiety of New York life. He exhibited the tiny Charles Sherwood Stratton so successfully that he became, as "General Tom Thumb," a world-famous figure. In 1850, Barnum imported Jenny Lind for a concert tour beginning at Castle Garden (later the Aquarium in Battery Park), which more than prefigured the later exploits of S. Hurok. When past sixty, Barnum opened in Brooklyn "The Greatest Show on Earth," the first great American traveling circus. .In his 1879 book “Struggles and Triumphs: Or, Forty Years' Recollections of P. T. Barnum,” Barnum (1810 –1891) narrates his early history as Clerk, Merchant and Editor, and his later career as a Showman. Barnum was the greatest showman of all time, the American from Bethel, Connecticut, whose eccentricities and oblique, cynical approach to humanity transformed entertainment into a big, incredibly profitable business. Such a work is this autobiography of P. T. Barnum, so well known on both sides of the Atlantic for the personal vicissitudes through which he has passed during a long public career, for his indefatigable energy of character, and for his triumph over obstacles and misfortunes which might well have appalled and discouraged even the sternest battler in "the struggle for existence." Retired from the dust of the arena, and resting upon his laurels, he has spent the leisure moments of a green and vigorous old age in recalling the past with its checkered experiences, and drawing from it such lessons as will amuse, interest, and benefit those who are to follow in his footsteps. Of the various vicissitudes through which Mr. Barnum has passed the whole world more or less knows, and to show how perfectly natural and confidential he is with the public, quoting from the preface what he himself says of his work. "It is the matured and leisurely review of almost half a century of work and struggle and final success, in spite of fraud and fire—the story of which is blended with amusing anecdotes, funny passages, felicitous jokes, captivating narratives, novel experiences, and remarkable interviews—the sunny and sombre so intermingled as not only to entertain, but convey useful lessons to all classes of readers." The Greatest Showman is a 2017 American historical period drama musical film directed by Michael Gracey in his directorial debut, written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon and starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya. The film is inspired by the story of P. T. Barnum's creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the lives of its star attractions. Hugh Jackman is cast as P. T. Barnum, an ambitious showman and entrepreneur. At the 75th Golden Globe Awards, the film received three nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor – Musical or Comedy (Jackman), and Best Original Song ("This Is Me"), winning the latter.

"In the United States, where we have more land than people, it is not at all difficult for persons in good health to make money. In this comparatively new field there are so many avenues of success open, so many vocations which are not crowded, that any person of either sex who is willing, at least for the time being, to engage in any respectable occupation that offers, may find lucrative employment. Those who really desire to attain an independence, have only to set their minds upon it, and adopt the proper means, as they do in regard to any other object which they wish to accomplish, and the thing is easily done. But however easy it may be found to make money, I have no doubt many of my hearers will agree it is the most difficult thing in the world to keep it." Barnum

The True Life of PT Barnum"The show business has all phases and grades of dignity, from the exhibition of a monkey to the exposition of that highest art in music or the drama, which entrances empires and secures for the gifted artist a world-wide fame which princes well might envy. Men, women and children, who cannot live on gravity alone, need something to satisfy their gayer, lighter moods and hours, and he who ministers to this want is in a business established by the Author of our nature. If he worthily fulfills his mission, and amuses without corrupting, he need never feel that he has lived in vain. " -PT BarnumFrom the PublisherThe original autobiography of the World's Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum, now translated to modern English and illustrated with images of his amazing ground-breaking acts. Phineas Taylor Barnum came from humble means to revolutionize the entertainment industry of his time and lay the foundation of the entertainment industry we know today. His visionary ability to create and market new and innovative acts transformed the world and moved society forward towards a new era of understanding and inclusiveness. His marketing skill and shrewd business skills transformed common and mundane acts into "must see" cultural events. Barnum skill as a showman included marketing such unique features as educated dogs, industrious fleas, automatons, jugglers, ventriloquists, living statuary, tableaux, gypsies, albinos, fat boys, giants, dwarfs, rope-dancers, live "Yankees," pantomime, instrumental music, singing and dancing in great variety, dioramas, panoramas, models of Niagara, Dublin, Paris, and Jerusalem; Hannington's dioramas of the Creation, the Deluge, Fairy Grotto, Storm at Sea; the first English Punch and Judy in this country, Italian Fantoceini, mechanical figures, fancy glass-blowing, knitting machines and other triumphs in the mechanical arts; dissolving views, American Indians, who enacted their warlike and religious ceremonies on the stage, — these, among others, entertained audiences by the tens of thousands and made Barnum a fortune and made his name synonymous with show business. But Barnum's genius was not limited to parlor tricks and freak shows, although this was a common criticism of his shows. His well-earned title of the World's Greatest Showman was earned by his ability to evolve his show and his techniques throughout his career. Originally, Barnum was able to transform men like Charles Sherwood Stratton, a dwarf who had been the subject of ridicule throughout his entire life, into famous characters such as "General Tom Thumb", a regal and authoritative figure who would stand before the Queen of England. Another illustration of Barnum's amazing showman abilities is perhaps best showcased in his signing of the "Swedish Nightingale" Jenny Lind, a favorite opera singer of the elite members of Victorian Era's society. Barnum signed Lind and included her in his tour, considerably raising the bar and perception of his performances. How amazing would it have been to see P.T. Barnum in his prime, to listen to him describe his inspirations and his journey, and to understand how almost two hundred years ago he began his path towards becoming the World's Greatest Showman. Now, thanks to the re-publication of this volume, complete with new illustrations, we can hear Barnum's story from his own pen directly in his own words. We hope you enjoy pulling up a chair and sitting down for a conversation with the World's Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum.

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.Meet the greatest entertainer of the 19th Century…In 1834, desperate to create a better life for his family, small-time Connecticut businessman P. T. Barnum moved to New York City. With true entrepreneurial spirit and against all odds, he wowed audiences with his ensemble of musical spectacles, attractions and variety shows – often exploiting the vulnerable for entertainment value. A master showman, his crowning achievement was the world-famous circus, Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth.In this account of his life and work, written by the man himself and first published in 1855, P. T. Barnum creates an aura of excitement about himself and his enduring fame, confirming his reputation as the greatest impresario of all time and revealing the controversial decisions that helped him to his fortune.

One of the most important financial books ever written. Following the practical advice herein will lead to increased wealth. Those who really desire to attain an independence, have only to set their minds upon it, and adopt the proper means, as they do in regard to any other object which they wish to accomplish, and the thing is easily done. But however easy it may be found to make money, I have no doubt many of my hearers will agree it is the most difficult thing in the world to keep it

The Art of Money Getting was written by P. T. Barnum. In this publication Barnum shares his knowledge of business and teaches readers how to be successful in making money. This is an excellent book for individuals who are interested in learning from an important historical business leaders own personal success and also serves as an excellent motivational writing intended for those looking to be successful and make lots of money. The Humbugs of the World, published in 1865, exposes several of the chief humbugs of the world, written in the entertaining and humorous style Barnum is known for. Found within are discussions relative to hoaxes, money manias, adventurers, medicine and quacks, religious humbugs, trade and business impositions, spiritualists, ghosts and witchcrafts, and personal reminiscences.Phineas Taylor Barnum ( 1810 – 1891) was an American showman, businessman, scam artist and entertainer, remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the famous traveling circus. Barnum was also an author, publisher, philanthropist, and for some time a politician. His successes may have made him the first "show business" millionaire.

Those who peruse this volume will see that my career has been truly a checkered one. I have been a farmer's boy and a merchant, a clerk and a manager, a showman and a bank-president. I have been in jails and in palaces; have known poverty and abundance ; have traveled over a large portion of two Continents ; have encountered all varieties of men, have seen every phase of human character and I have on several occasions been in imminent personal peril.