Spectacle and Sensation: The World of P.T. Barnum

This chapter explores the dynamic and controversial marketing strategies employed by P.T. Barnum, focusing on his transformation from a showman to a cultural icon. It highlights the exploitation of societal attitudes towards race and novelty in entertainment, particularly through shows that showcased bizarre attractions and performance art. Through reminiscences of childhood experiences and the evolution of the circus, the discussion reveals both the allure and critique of Barnum's eccentric methods and the spectacles he created, including the infamous Fiji Mermaid.