Struggles and Triumphs: or, Forty Years' Recollections of P. T. Barnum
by P. T. Barnum (1810–1891)
- Free to read
- 17 hours to read
- 52 chapters
- Reading level: 8th & 9th grade
"Struggles and Triumphs: or, Forty Years' Recollections of P. T. Barnum" by Barnum is an autobiography written in the late 19th century. This memoir recounts the colorful and eventful life of P. T. Barnum, a renowned showman and entrepreneur, detailing his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a significant figure in the entertainment world. The narrative promises to be not only entertaining and filled with anecdotes but also instructive, as it reflects on the lessons of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The opening of the autobiography introduces the author’s early life in Bethel, Connecticut, where he was born into a family of modest means. From a young age, Barnum demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, engaging in various small ventures like selling homemade candies and trading goods. He shares amusing tales of his childhood experiences, including a memorable first visit to New York City that left him both exhilarated and disillusioned. Barnum also reflects on the values instilled by his family, particularly his mother's influence and his father's varied pursuits, setting the stage for the challenges and adventures he would face in his quest for success.
- Barnum, P. T. (Phineas Taylor), 1810-1891
- Circus owners · United States · Biography
Read the opening
Chapter I. — Early Life
MY BIRTH—FIRST PROPERTY—FARMER BOY LIFE—GOING TO SCHOOL—EARLY ACQUISITIVENESS—A HOLIDAY PEDDLER—FIRST VISIT TO NEW YORK—LEARNING TO “SWAP”—MISERIES FROM MOLASSES CANDY—“IVY ISLAND”—ENTERING UPON MY ESTATE—CLERKSHIP IN A COUNTRY STORE—TRADING MORALS—THE BETHEL MEETING-HOUSE—STOVE QUESTION—SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASS—MY COMPOSITION—THE ONE THING NEEDFUL,......25
CHAP. II.—INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
DEATH OF MY GRANDMOTHER—MY FATHER—HIS CHARACTER—HIS DEATH—BEGINNING THE WORLD BAREFOOTED—GOING TO GRASSY PLAINS—THE TIN WARE AND GREEN BOTTLE LOTTERY—“CHARITY” HALLETT—OUR FIRST MEETING—EVENING RIDE TO BETHEL—A NOVEL FUR TRADE—OLD “RUSHIA” AND YOUNG “RUSHIA”—THE BUYER SOLD—COUNTRY STORE EXPERIENCES—OLD “UNCLE BIBBINS”—A TERRIBLE DUEL BETWEEN BENTON AND BIBBINS—FALL OF BENTON—FLIGHT OF BIBBINS,......38
CHAP. III.—IN BUSINESS FOR MYSELF.
MY CLERKSHIP IN BROOKLYN—UNEASINESS AND DISSATISFACTION—THE SMALL POX—GOING HOME TO RECRUIT—“CHARITY” HALLETT AGAIN—BACK TO BROOKLYN—OPENING A PORTER-HOUSE—SELLING OUT—MY CLERKSHIP IN NEW YORK—MY HABITS—OBSERVANCE OF SUNDAY—IN BETHEL ONCE MORE—BEGINNING BUSINESS ON MY OWN ACCOUNT—OPENING DAY—LARGE SALES AND GREAT PROFITS—THE LOTTERY BUSINESS—VIEWS THEREON—ABOUT A POCKET-BOOK—WITS AND WAGS—SWEARING OUT A FINE—FIRST APPEARANCE AT THE BAR—SECURING “ARABIAN”—A MODEL LOVE-LETTER,......48
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About this edition
This free edition of Struggles and Triumphs: or, Forty Years' Recollections of P. T. Barnum by P. T. Barnum comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #50115, released 2015-10-02. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Biographies, American Literature.
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