P. T. Barnum

When Jumbo the Elephant arrived in the United States in 1882, crowds lined up to see this seven-ton animal perform at the circus. Only one man could deliver such a giant attraction to audiences-P. T. Barnum. A master of entertainment and showmanship, Barnum introduced Americans to wild acts and curiosities at the American Museum and the Barnum & Bailey Circus. His keen understanding of advertisement and promotion helped invent the modern world of "show business." Author Tom Streissguth explores the life of this innovative entertainer from his early days in the lottery business to his creation of the first three-ring circus.

Tom Streissguth has written more than fifty books of history, geography, adventure fiction, and biography for young readers. He has worked as an editor, journalist, and teacher.