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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Excerpt from The Humbugs of the World: An Account of Humbugs, Delusions, Impositions, Quackeries, Deceits and Deceivers, Generally, in All Ages Messrs. Cauldwell and Whitney of the Weekly Mercury caused me to furnish for that paper a series of articles in which I very natu rally took up the subject in question. This book is a revision and re-arrangement of a portion of those articles. If I should find that I have met a popular demand, I shall in due time put forth a second volume. There is not the least danger of a dearth of materials. 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.

“Humbug … I won’t believe it,” is Scrooge’s response when confronted by the ghost of his dead partner Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol, and just as surely as Dickens knows that ghosts are humbugs, so too does P. T. Barnum, writing a generation later. For Barnum, humbug begins in the Garden of Eden with the temptation of Eve, and permeates all of history, through every age and in every nation, right down to his own time, where the “Great Spirit Postmaster” publishes ghost letters from veterans recently perished in the Civil War. Barnum himself was often called the “Prince of Humbugs,” but he was no cynic. In this book he sets out to make his fellow citizens a little wiser via a catalog of colorful characters and events, and mocking commentaries about how a sensible person should be more skeptical. He goes after all kinds of classic humbugs like ghosts, witches, and spiritualists, but he also calls humbug on shady investment schemes, hoaxes, swindlers, guerrilla marketers, and political dirty tricksters, before shining a light on the patent medicines of his day, impure foods, and adulterated drinks. As a raconteur, Barnum is conversational and avuncular, sharing the wisdom of his years and opening an intimate window into the New England of the mid-19th century. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

The Humbugs of The World by Barnum, P. T.: An entertaining and satirical exposé by P. T. Barnum, the famous American showman and circus owner. In "The Humbugs of The World," Barnum unmasks various deceptions, charlatans, and fraudulent practices that have plagued society. With wit and humor, Barnum exposes the tricks and illusions used by these humbugs to deceive the public. This book offers a lighthearted but insightful examination of human gullibility and the art of deception. Key Aspects of the Book "The Humbugs of The World": Satirical Critique: Barnum's book provides a satirical critique of various deceptive practices and those who perpetrate them. Entertainment and Wit: The book engages readers with its entertaining anecdotes and clever wit, making it an enjoyable and informative read. Insight into Human Gullibility: "The Humbugs of The World" sheds light on the human tendency to be deceived and the allure of the extraordinary and sensational. P. T. Barnum was an American showman, businessman, and entertainer born in 1810. He is best known for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus and his promotional flair in presenting spectacles and curiosities to the public. "The Humbugs of The World" showcases Barnum's ability to entertain while also critiquing the tricks and deceptions that have fascinated audiences throughout history.