The Great And Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life Of Showman P.T. Barnum, Candace Fleming; Schwartz & Wade Books

Best Books for Young Adults 2010
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist, 2010

“Step right up! Meet the astounding . . . the amazing . . . P. T. Barnum! The award-winning author ofThe Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary,Our Eleanor, andBen Franklin’s Almanacbrings us the larger-than-life biography of showman P. T. Barnum. Known far and wide for his jumbo elephants, midgets, and three-ring circuses, here’s a complete and captivating look at the man behind the Greatest Show on Earth. Readers can visit Barnum’s American Museum; meet Tom Thumb, the miniature man (only 39 inches tall) and his tinier bride (32 inches); experience the thrill Barnum must have felt when, at age 60, he joined the circus; and discover Barnum’s legacy to the 19th century and beyond. Drawing on old circus posters, photographs, etchings, ticket stubs—and with incredible decorative art by Ray Fenwick—this book presents history as it’s never been experienced before—a show-stopping event!”