Summary
P. T. Barnum recounts his life and entertainment ventures in this autobiography, first published in 1855. The original account covers the American Museum, Tom Thumb’s European tour and Jenny Lind’s American appearances. It also shows Barnum presenting and promoting his own public image.
Why read it Our view
Useful for examining how a founder presents a public account of their own work. Barnum’s memoir is also part of his promotion, so read it with questions about selection, omission and the effect of the story on its audience. Consider what readers can verify and how your own account handles difficult parts of a business history.
Written about
- P.T. BarnumAuthor and subjectBarnum wrote this autobiography. The University of Illinois edition reprints the original 1855 account, with an introduction by Terence Whalen.Source