When Phineas Taylor Barnum was eleven years old he helped a farmer drive some cattle to market down Broadway in New York. Fifty-nine years later the "poor country boy" made his way down Broadway again. This time he was part of a huge circus parade. He was P. T. Barnum, the "Greatest Showman on Earth."

Barnum's road to fame started in a Connecticut store. He proved himself a fine trader. "It pays to advertise," Barnum always said.

Barnum bought dusty old Scudder's American Museum, which he had seen in New York. He filled it with fabulous sights, bands, banners and fun. He discovered Tom Thumb, and toured Europe with the talented midget, making a fortune. Later he went into the circus business and on to new heights.

Barnum had many misfortunes but he always bounced back. Life to him was continually exciting. Lynn Groh, author of Ferdinand Magellan and New Year's Day, has painted a colorful picture of the "Children's Friend."

From the dust jacket