Barnum

Arthur Morey's performance of this P.T. Barnum biography is affable and straightforward, providing listeners with a gentle guide through a remarkable but controversial life. Barnum's story is woven deeply into American culture; Wilson's research provides listeners with both his humanizing and difficult qualities. Listeners learn how Barnum's personality had global reach; his international reputation came to be seen as a kind of American ideal. Wilson takes listeners through Barnum's deceptions, or "humbugs," as he developed his American Museum and traveling show. While listeners may find parts of Barnum's story problematic, Morey's evenhanded approach to the narration makes the listening experience enjoyable. His voice provides a confident foundation for this fascinating biography. S.P. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine