The Art of Money Getting

PT Barnum (1810–91) is best known for forming the circus that came to be known as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. A brash, larger-than-life entrepreneur, he transformed the nature of commercial entertainment in the nineteenth century, from his private museum of curiosities to his big-top extravaganzas. Towards the end of his illustrious career, the renowned showman shared the secrets to his success in ‘The Art of Money Getting’ or, Golden Rules for Making Money.

As relevant today as it was upon its 1880 publication, this guide to prosperity offers practical advice rather than get-rich-quick schemes. Barnum asserts that there are no shortcuts to affluence; instead, he stresses the importance of virtue as a foundation for wealth. His suggestions for the development of character and for cultivating habits that will insure financial security range from choosing the right vocation and avoiding debt to preserving integrity and maintaining courtesy. This book of timeless counsel from a legendary impresario will prove a helpful companion to readers wishing to make the most of their talents and opportunities.

P. T. Barnum (1810–1891), whose full name was Phineas Taylor Barnum, was an American showman, entrepreneur, publisher, politician, and philanthropist. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of the modern entertainment industry. Famous for his extraordinary talent for promotion and public spectacle, Barnum transformed popular entertainment in the nineteenth century through museums, traveling exhibitions, and the world-renowned circus that eventually became the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. His life demonstrated an exceptional ability to capture the public's imagination.

Barnum was born on July 5, 1810, in Bethel, Connecticut. As a young man, he tried several occupations, including shopkeeper, newspaper editor, and lottery manager. His natural flair for advertising and business quickly became evident. In 1841, he purchased Scudder's American Museum in New York City and transformed it into Barnum's American Museum. Filled with exhibits ranging from natural history collections to live performances and unusual curiosities, the museum attracted millions of visitors and became one of the most popular attractions in the United States.

Throughout his career, Barnum promoted many famous performers and attractions. One of his greatest successes was organizing the American tour of the celebrated Swedish soprano Jenny Lind in 1850. Through imaginative publicity and careful planning, he turned the tour into a national sensation, demonstrating the power of modern marketing. Later, Barnum established his traveling circus, featuring acrobats, trained animals, clowns, and international performers. His motto, "The Greatest Show on Earth," became synonymous with grand entertainment and remains famous today.

Although Barnum's career was marked by remarkable success, it also attracted criticism. Some of his exhibitions relied on exaggerated claims and promotional tactics that blurred the line between fact and fiction, reflecting the showmanship of his era. At the same time, he supported several charitable causes, served as mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and advocated for public education and civic improvements.

P. T. Barnum died on April 7, 1891, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence entertainment, advertising, and public relations. Remembered as both a visionary entrepreneur and a master promoter, Barnum changed the way audiences experienced popular entertainment. His creativity, ambition, and understanding of public curiosity secured him a lasting place in American cultural history.