P.T. Barnum (Radio Edit)

Published: Sept. 9, 2023, 9 a.m.

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Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in 19th-century America to meet the self-proclaimed showman, P.T. Barnum. He was a man famous for his museums and shows as well as "curiosities" such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies and The Fiji Mermaid. But look beyond Barnum\\u2019s infamous spin and you\\u2019ll find that contrary to his pop culture image this showman was far from the greatest.

For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.

Produced by Cornelius Mendez\\nScript by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse\\nResearch by Charlotte Potter

A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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