The Humbugs of the World
An Account of Humbugs, Delusions, Impositions, Quackeries, Deceits and Deceivers Generally, in All Ages
The Humbugs of the World, published in 1865, is the showman P. T. Barnum's survey of deceptions old and new, written by a man who knew the trade and was often called the prince of humbugs himself. After personal reminiscences that defend his own methods, Barnum exposes the spiritualist mediums of his day, frauds in trade and business, money manias such as the tulip craze and the Mississippi bubble, quack doctors, false prophets, ghosts, impostors and hoaxes of every kind. Lively and anecdotal, it reveals as much about Barnum's own showmanship as about the dupes and swindlers he describes. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
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Frequently asked questions about The Humbugs of the World
The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Humbugs of the World online?
Yes. The Humbugs of the World opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Humbugs of the World free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Humbugs of the World is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Humbugs of the World in the public domain?
Yes. The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Humbugs of the World?
About 7 h 28 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Humbugs of the World?
The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum is filed under "Classics" in the Vinteuil library.
