Rate this book

The Great And Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life Of Showman P. T. Barnum (2009)

by Candace Fleming(Favorite Author)

3.89 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0375841970 (ISBN13: 9780375841972)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Schwartz & Wade

review 1: The Great and Only Barnum, The Tremendous Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming is an outstanding biography. With large print and 140 pages, it is a quick read. The chronological order, chapter divisions, many pictures, and large pages lend to a visually engaging book. In the classroom, it would be an excellent choice for a reluctant reader. When I open this book, it feels like stepping into a circus tent. Fleming does not depict Barnum as a one-dimensional character, but instead tells of his childhood, family relationships, business ventures, and personal loss, tragedy, and failures along with his many successes. Less know facts are given about his start in show business and the opening of the American Museum. We learn of the physical dynamics of... more setting up a circus and moving it by train. Barnum is said to have not wanted to be bored, and that is obvious in this account. The reader is given a glimpse into exhibits and shows such as the bearded lady, oldest woman in the world, Siamese twins, and the tallest woman in the world. No questions are left unanswered after reading this book. Illustrations include ticket stubs, reprints and photos of the American Museum, family photos, advertisement posters, and web links for further information. One link leads to an audio of Barnum’s voice. A full bibliography is included in the text. I would highly recommend this book and will point it out in the library for my students.
review 2: Fleming, as always, offers an engaging & authoritative biography with plenty of sidebar information to place Barnum's life in context. Excellent source notes & glimpses into Barnum's personality with a seamless use of quotations from the man himself & those who knew him. This will definitely grab the attention of great readers in upper elementary school & I know the middle schoolers I work with will love it. less

Download links for: The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P. T. Barnum

Advertising