Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
There was more to Barnum than his reputation as a brassy charlatan would have us believe, shows Saxon, a biochemist, who presents here a well-rounded picture of the 19th century's premier showman. Barnum trafficked not only in ``freaks''--such as Joice Heth, ``the 161-year-old nurse of George Washington,'' and the Feejee Mermaid, a creature part monkey, part fish--but introduced many to the marvels of natural history. He also sponsored the American tour of opera star Jenny Lind, at considerable strain to himself. The private Barnum, as revealed in his letters here, was more than a mere purveyor of hype. Deeply religious and ethical, he supported Prohibition and women's rights; and although early on a defender of slavery, he became an abolitionist. Interesting in his complexities, the Barnum on view in these pages rivals the wonders of his roadshows. Photos not seen by PW. (Sept.)
Library Journal
Barnum, whose name has become synonymous with the circus and the art of humbug, wrote his autobiography at the age of 44 and updated it for the rest of his long life. Most other biographies have relied heavily on this original source, despite its obvious inaccuracies and discrepancies between editions. Saxon has immersed himself in letters, diaries, and other records and memorabilia instead. Besides his self-confessed hoaxes in his early years, Barnum made and lost fortunes with his American Museum, his management of Jenny Lind's American tour, and his tours of America and Europe with the midget Tom Thumb and later with Jumbo the elephant and the circus. He raised the art of publicity and media manipulation to a high level. The slightly ornate style of writing adds a 19th-century flavor to this thoroughly researched and footnoted but somewhat ponderous biography.-- Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass.
Booknews
Meticulously researched and lucidly written, this portrait of the legendary showman is based almost exclusively on primary sources--diaries, contracts, and some 4,000 letters written by or to Barnum. What emerges is a close view of a complex and dynamic individual important in American culture and the history of popular entertainment. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
