P.T. Barnum, Showman and Humorist

Name/Title

P.T. Barnum, Showman and Humorist

Description

The book traces Barnum's rise from a modest Connecticut upbringing through his early ventures. It blends biographical narrative with anecdotes highlighting Barnum's wit, showmanship, and knack for publicity.

Context

Benton personally knew P.T. Barnum, so the biography carries firsthand recollections alongside its narrative, making it a valuable primary-adjacent source. It largely paraphrases Barnum's own autobiography in the third person.

Category

Biography

Lexicon

Legacy Lexicon

Object Name

Book

Book Details

Author

Joel Benton

Publisher

Century Magazine

Create Date

October 7, 2022

Update Date

July 1, 2026