P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey join forces for "The Greatest Show on Earth"

In the spring of 1881 P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey opened their new show, the largest circus ever seen, and the first three-ring circus in history. A hippodrome track circled the edge of the arena. At night, arc lights powered by a steam generator lit up the rings and the sideshows.

When Jumbo the Elephant arrived in the United States on April 8, 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.

P.T. Barnum: "Every Crowd Has a Silver Lining" is available from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or  through your preferred vendor.