Phineas Taylor Barnum, popularly known as P.T. Barnum, released his own biography in 1855, titled "The Life of P.T. Barnum," which includes his "golden rules for money-making." This edition is a 1888 reprint, containing essentially the same account as the original and includes a number of images and illustrations. This volume can be well regarded as a manual of "showmanship" and moneymaking, given the notorious American businessman's trade and success in his chosen profession. It is quite ironic that someone who is, at the core, sort of a coward and averse to certain inconveniences, would make his stamp in history and society as a master in frauds and hoaxes via his famed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The book also displays the author's eccentricity and coarseness, as well as near-sociopathic inclinations in full splendor. As such it is an amusing read, albeit long winded at times. However, the small text may challenge one's vision and makes this tome quite lengthy. What's most interesting about this autobiography is that it is not wholly an account of the author's life. It also has self-help elements that make this book double as a "marketing" and "racketeering" manual, as earlier mentioned. Those who admire Barnum's legacy, as well as those looking to be entertained by real life experiences of a historical figure of an intriguing reputation will do well to pick up this book. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

A memoir by the great 19th century American showman, originally published in 1869 and reprinted from the updated edition of 1872.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1882.