
The Fabulous Showman
A Biography of P. T. Barnum
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Narrated by:
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Tyson Underwood
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By:
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Irving Wallace
This is a fast-paced, carefully documented, and rich biography of Barnum, the greatest showman of all time, the American from Bethel, Connecticut, whose eccentricities and oblique, cynical approach to humanity transformed entertainment into a big, incredibly profitable business. As bachelor, husband (twice), father, and grandfather, Barnum comes to life in Mr. Wallace's crowded audiobook, an exceedingly interesting and human man. Here, too, are New York City in all its 19th century color, the London of Queen Victoria, and the Paris of Napoleon III.
In 1842, Barnum opened the first of the great museums of curiosities and freaks, adding immeasurably to the gaiety of New York life. He exhibited the tiny Charles Sherwood Stratton so successfully that he became known as General Tom Thumb, a world-famous figure. In 1850, Barnum imported Jenny Lind for a concert tour beginning at Castle Garden (later the Aquarium in Battery Park), which more than prefigured the later exploits of S. Hurok. When past 60, Barnum opened in Brooklyn "The Greatest Show on Earth," the first great American traveling circus. Combining 10 years later with James Anthony Bailey, he gave to millions of American children and grownups The Barnum and Bailey Circus. He bought from the London Zoological Society the huge elephant that became known everywhere as Jumbo. And always, he shrewdly understood that people did not mind being fooled ("There's a sucker born every minute"), if they were only entertained.
Besides the towering figure of Barnum himself, this audiobook's cast of characters includes not only Jenny Lind, Jumbo, and Tom Thumb, but also such ill-assorted figures as Chang and Eng (the original Siamese Twins), Queen Victoria herself, captive white whales, The Feejee Mermaid, and Abraham Lincoln.
©1959 David Wallechinsky (P)2017 David N. WilsonListeners also enjoyed...




















Downright fawning
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Excellent book read by an amateur
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Really interesting. I learned a lot.
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Excellent stony read poorly.
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well organized historical drauma
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great story about a great man
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Great listen
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captivating
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The Narration seemed slow and plodded along a times. The sense of legitimacy of research came through the narration. Further, the narrator stayed trued to the text with very minor exceptions. It was disappointing that there was little excitement in his voice for the story of a man who's stock and trade was creating excitement.
I probably would not have finished the book without the Audible version.
The Great Showman deserved Better!
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Was relatively well read, no major issues, but you will notice a few awkward pauses/RE reads but nothing that ruins the read.
Who knew this guy was so badass!
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