P.T. Barnum's Circus Museum and Menagerie by P.T. Barnum & Sarah J. Burke - 1888

New York: White & Allen, 1888. (64) pp. Approximately 10 1/2 x 12 1/2". 1st edition. Color lithographed paper over boards, beautifully illustrated with full page color plates and many black and white illustrations, beautiful lithography by G.H. Buek & Co., some edge wear and light toning, one page has slight tear at the bottom, light soiling to margins of some pages, otherwise, very good condition. Phineas Taylor Barnum, usually referred to as P.T. Barnum (1810 - 1891) was an American showman, politician, author, publisher, philanthropist and businessman. He said of himself, however, "I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me." (Kunhardt 1995). Told in the form of a story for children, this stunning and scarce book showcases many of the acts, animals, and curiosities that appeared in Barnum's circus, such as Jumbo the Elephant, Che-Mah the Dwarf, and many other exotic animals.