Barnum: An American Life

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This major biography offers a vivid account of P.T. Barnum, the iconic figure in American entertainment. As the co-creator of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, he was instrumental in popularizing sensations like Jumbo the Elephant and Jenny Lind, embodying the spirit of wonder and trickery. Barnum's legacy as one of the most significant Americans of the nineteenth century endures even 125 years after his death. Robert Wilson's engaging narrative captures Barnum's genius, infamy, and charisma, detailing his journey from a young man who learned to captivate audiences to a millionaire who faced tragedy, bankruptcy, and destruction yet continually rebuilt his life. Throughout his career, Barnum courted controversy but was driven by a desire to entertain and uplift rather than deceive. He is often misquoted as saying, "There's a sucker born every minute," when in fact, he took pride in delivering value to his audiences. Wilson, editor of The American Scholar, crafts a compelling story that reflects Barnum's buoyant spirit and argues for his rightful place among American icons, representing a unique blend of optimism, industriousness, humor, and relentless energy.