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The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader: NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT IN THE UNIVERSE,New
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An encyclopedic treasure trove from the mastermind behind 'The Greatest Show on Earth'The P. T. Barnum Reader reveals the trailblazing American showman P. T. Barnum as, by turns, a moral reformer, a habitual hoaxer, an insightful critic, a savvy 'puffer,' a master of images, a sparkling writer, a relentless provocateur, and an early advocate of 'family' entertainments. Taken together, these selections paint a new and more complete portrait of this complex man than has ever been seen before.James W. Cook's The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader is the largest collection of Barnum's works ever produced. Included are excerpts from his pseudoautobiographical novel The Adventures of an Adventurer (1841), his European letters from 184446 informing readers of the New York Atlas of his regal reception overseas, and a large selection from his Ancient and Modern Humbugs of the World, Barnum's 186465 insider's look into the frauds of nineteenthcentury American culture. It offers a glimpse of Tom Thumb's minstrel and singing performances in front of Queen Victoria, Barnum's many fraudulent representations of the supposedly ancient Joice Heth, and a more immediate, less filtered sense of Barnum as cultural and social critic in his serialized writings and travelogues. This volume also features reproductions of difficult to find posters from Barnum's twodecade collaboration with the prominent New York lithographers, Currier and Ives, and vintage photographs.Finally, the reader also helps us to understand Barnum's role in building the modern culture industry. We follow his career from itinerant hawker, hardly distinguishable from his preindustrial forebears, to manager of the world's first show business empire, with a staff of thousands and brand recognition across four continents. The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader tracks the shifting personas of the great showman, his representational choices, and his publics across the nineteenth century.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader? A: This book contains two hundred seventy-two pages. It includes various excerpts and writings by P. T. Barnum.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions are approximately nine point nine six inches in length, seven point zero five inches in width, and zero point six four inches in height.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader is paperback bound. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: What genre does The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader belong to? A: This book falls under the genre of Circus literature. It explores the life and works of P. T. Barnum.
- Q: How do I read The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader? A: You can simply open the book and start reading from the beginning. The text is designed for general audiences interested in Barnum's life.
- Q: Is this book suitable for children? A: Yes, The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader is appropriate for older children and teens. It provides historical insights and entertaining narratives.
- Q: How should I store The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keeping it on a bookshelf will help maintain its condition.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to protect the pages.
- Q: Is there a warranty or return policy for this book? A: Typically, books do not come with a warranty. However, check the retailer's return policy for specific conditions.
- Q: What should I do if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, contact the retailer immediately for a replacement or refund. Provide details and photos if possible.
- Q: How does this book compare to other biographies of P. T. Barnum? A: The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader is the largest collection of his works. It provides a unique, comprehensive view compared to other biographies.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic research? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic research. It includes original texts and insights into P. T. Barnum's impact on culture.
- Q: What themes are explored in The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader? A: Themes include entertainment, morality, and the evolution of the modern culture industry, reflecting Barnum's diverse roles.
- Q: Does this book include photographs or illustrations? A: Yes, The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader includes reproductions of posters and vintage photographs from Barnum's era.
- Q: Who is the author of The Colossal P. T. Barnum Reader? A: The book is compiled by James W. Cook. He provides context and selection of Barnum's significant works.
- Q: What age group is this book recommended for? A: This book is recommended for ages twelve and up. It contains historical context that may be complex for younger readers.