Who Was P. T. Barnum?

Written by Kirsten Anderson and Who HQ · Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi

Part of the Who Was . . . ? series

Discover the rise of a showman who turned spectacle into a sensation.

4.2 Goodreads · 354 ratings

112 pages· 6,876 words· Est. 58 min read· 860L

$6.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1834, young Phineas Taylor Barnum moved to New York City, igniting a career that blurred the lines between reality and illusion. As he captivated audiences with his curious exhibitions, Barnum's journey from museum owner to circus pioneer unfolded. Was it all genuine or a grand hoax? Dive into the story of how one man's vision transformed entertainment forever, leaving spectators in awe and wonder. Explore the life of the man who became The Greatest Showman on Earth, and uncover the secrets behind his legendary spectacles.

From the publisher

Ladies and Gentlemen, children of all ages, step right up for Who HQ’s entertaining biography of P. T. Barnum: politician, businessman, and The Greatest Showman on Earth! After moving from Connecticut to New York City in 1834, twenty-four-year-old Phineas Taylor Barnum launched his now-legendary career as a showman. Even though spectators debated whether his exhibitions were authentic wonders, hoaxes, or a little bit of both, they were always astounded by what they saw. And readers are sure to be amazed by the story of how Barnum went from owning a museum filled with rare and unusual items to transforming the American circus into a popular and thrilling phenomenon.

At a glance