Barnum

By Morris Robert Werner and M.R. Werner

Book Overview

"Barnum" by M.R. Werner is a comprehensive and engaging biography of Phineas Taylor Barnum, the legendary American showman who redefined the nature of entertainment in the nineteenth century. The work explores the life of a man who was simultaneously a museum proprietor, a circus mogul, and a master of the "humbug." From his early days in Connecticut to the establishment of the world-famous Barnum & Bailey Circus, the book details his extraordinary knack for promotion and his profound impact on American popular culture.

Werner provides a detailed look at Barnum's most famous attractions, including General Tom Thumb, the Feejee Mermaid, and the celebrated Swedish soprano Jenny Lind. More than just a collection of anecdotes, "Barnum" examines the psychological and social landscape of an era that was captivated by curiosity and spectacle. It captures the spirit of a man who understood the public's desire to be amazed and his tireless pursuit of the "Greatest Show on Earth." This classic biography remains a vital resource for understanding the origins of modern publicity and the evolution of the American entertainment industry.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102529744X
• ISBN13: 9781025297446
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 410 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"