Struggles and Triumphs
The author and narrator, reflecting on his career and personal philosophy.
Early Life
The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his early life, his visit to Ivy Island, his work as a store clerk, and his religious upbringing.
Incidents and Anecdotes
Narrator and protagonist; begins the world barefooted after father's death, works as a clerk, devises a lottery and a joke about 'Russia' furs.
In Business for Myself
Narrates his early business ventures, clerkships, and courtship with Charity Hallett.
IV: Struggles for a Livelihood
Narrator and protagonist; describes his struggles for a livelihood, marriage, and love of practical jokes.
My Start as a Showman
Narrator and protagonist; describes his start as a showman, his philosophy of amusement, and his early exhibitions.
My First Travelling Company
Narrator and protagonist; forms his first traveling company, manages performances, and navigates various challenges.
At the Foot of the Ladder
Narrates his disgust with travelling show business, his search for a partner, and his determined efforts to purchase the American Museum.
The American Museum
Barnum is the narrator and proprietor of the American Museum, detailing his advertising methods and management.
IX: The Road to Riches
Narrator and proprietor of the American Museum, reflecting on his rise to fortune and his methods for attracting visitors.
X: Another Successful Speculation
Narrator and protagonist; manages the American Museum, devises schemes to outdo rivals, and discovers Charles Stratton.
XI: General Tom Thumb in England
Narrator and guardian of General Tom Thumb; orchestrates the London exhibition and royal visit.
In France
Barnum acts as the General's avant courier, making arrangements and learning French for business.
XIII: In Belgium
Narrator and showman; manages the party, negotiates with customs, and offers reward for stolen jewels.
XIV: In England Again
Narrator and central figure; arranges exhibitions, travels, and business deals.
Return to America
Narrator and protagonist; returns to America after three years abroad, engages in a joke with Anderson, and debates with Dr. Baird.
XVI: At Home
Returns home, renews Museum lease, manages Tom Thumb's return, opens Philadelphia Museum, engages in farming and local society.
The Jenny Lind Enterprise
The author and impresario who conceived and executed the Jenny Lind enterprise.
XVIII: The Nightingale in New York
Arranges Jenny Lind's arrival, meets her aboard the Atlantic, revises contract to give her a larger share, and orchestrates the first concert at Castle Garden.
Successful Management
Narrator and manager, describes his extensive preparations and management of Jenny Lind's tour, including head-work and handwork, and his letter to John Jay.
XX: Incidents of the Tour
Narrates the chapter, arranges travel, performs legerdemain tricks, and orchestrates a prank on the barber.
XXI: Jenny Lind
Narrator and manager; reflects on his management of Jenny Lind's tour, his financial risks, and his charitable contributions.
XXII: Close of the Campaign
Orchestrates an April Fools' prank, negotiates the end of the Lind engagement, and reflects on the tour's conclusion.
Other Enterprises
Narrator and central figure; engages in multiple enterprises, meets Vanderbilt, and orchestrates the elephant plowing advertisement.
Work and Play
Narrator and central figure; president of the Agricultural Society, involved in various business ventures.
XXV: The Jerome Clock Company Entanglement
Narrator and central figure; describes his financial ruin and personal growth from the Jerome Clock Company entanglement.
Clouds and Sunshine
Barnum is the central figure, receiving sympathy and support after his financial collapse; he writes a heartfelt letter of gratitude to the citizens of Bridgeport.
Rest, but Not Rust
Narrates his financial troubles, court examinations, summer respite, and decision to go to England.
XXVIII: Abroad Again
Returns to England after ten years, reconnects with old friends, and continues working to pay off debts through exhibitions.
XXIX: In Germany
Narrator and manager; travels with Tom Thumb through Germany, handles customs and police issues, and remits profits to America.
XXX: In Holland
Narrator and protagonist; travels through Holland, returns to America to settle clock difficulties, and faces social and financial challenges.
The Art of Money Getting
Delivers the lecture 'The Art of Money Getting' across England, reflecting on his financial recovery and engaging with audiences.
An Enterprising Englishman
Narrator and subject of the chapter; meets Mr. Wilson in Manchester, receives his gratitude, and later enlists him to measure a French giant.
Richard's Himself Again
Returns from Europe, works to pay off clock debts, repurchases the Museum, and announces his restoration.
Menagerie and Museum Memoranda
Narrator and proprietor of the American Museum; partners with Grizzly Adams and engages in wagers and practical jokes.
East Bridgeport
Author and central figure; describes his role in developing East Bridgeport, his offer to loan money for home-building, and his satisfaction in the city's growth.
More About the Museum
Narrator and showman, orchestrates the cherry-colored cat hoax, leads whaling expedition, and acquires Commodore Nutt.
Political and Personal
Narrates his political actions and personal experiences during the Civil War, including his speech on constitutional amendments.
The American Museum in Ruins
Receives news of the Museum fire while speaking in the Connecticut Legislature; remains calm, finishes his speech, then visits the ruins; considers retirement but is encouraged to continue.
My War on the Railroads
Author and central figure; serves in Connecticut Legislature, introduces railroad reform bill, runs for Congress.
XLI: Bennett and the Herald
Narrator and central figure; recounts his conflict with Bennett and his role in the Managers' Association.
Public Lecturing
Narrator and subject of the chapter; delivers lectures on success and temperance across the West, donates proceeds to charity, and helps his nephew purchase a farm.
XLIII: The New Museum
Narrates the chapter; forms the Barnum and Van Amburgh Company, acquires the Gordon Cummings collection, visits the White Mountains, and opens Wood's Museum.
XLIV: Curious Coincidences.—Number Thirteen
Narrator and central figure; recounts his experiences with superstitions and the number thirteen during his Western tour.
XLV: A Story-Chapter
Narrator and central figure; recounts personal anecdotes and observations.
XLVI: Seaside Park
Originator and driving force behind Seaside Park; purchased and donated land, raised funds, and oversaw improvements.
Waldemere
Narrator and subject; describes his private life, civic improvements, and building of Waldemere.
Appendix I: Rest Only Found in Action
Retires after losing his museum but finds rest unbearable; launches a massive traveling show that becomes a huge success.
Appendix II: A Remarkable Campaign
Narrates the chapter; reflects on the campaign's success, his temperance work, and his determination to rebuild after the fire.
Conclusion
Narrator and showman, decides to expand rather than reduce the show, and arranges rail transport.
