Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
XIV: In England Again explained
Barnum returns to London with General Tom Thumb, who continues his successful levees at Egyptian Hall.
What happens
Barnum returns to London with General Tom Thumb, who continues his successful levees at Egyptian Hall. He expands the tour to provincial cities, travels by post and rail, and recounts various adventures including hiring an extra train. He visits Warwick and Coventry with Albert Smith, buys a 'Happy Family' exhibit, and returns to the U.S. to negotiate a lease renewal for his Museum with Mr. Olmsted and Mr. A. T. Stewart.
Themes in this chapter
Showmanship and Humbug
Barnum buys the 'Happy Family' exhibit on impulse and hires its proprietor, demonstrating his flair for acquiring novel attractions.
Public Perception and Reputation
Barnum notes his many friends in London and his introduction to notable figures like Samuel Rogers, highlighting his cultivated social standing.
Financial Wisdom and Economy
Barnum negotiates a lease renewal for his Museum, leveraging the threat of building a new venue to secure favorable terms.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Narrator and central figure; arranges exhibitions, travels, and business deals.
- General Tom Thumb
Performs at Egyptian Hall, in a balloon, and in the play 'Hop o' my Thumb'; travels on provincial tour.
- Albert Smith
Accompanies Barnum on a day trip to Warwick and Coventry; writes the play 'Hop o' my Thumb' and a magazine chapter about Barnum.
- Charity Barnum
Travels with Barnum to England and stays in a rented London house.
- Mr. Francis W. Olmsted
Leases the Museum building to Barnum; renews the lease for five more years.
- Stewart
Mr. A. T. Stewart; Barnum proposes to jointly build a store and museum, but the deal falls through.
- Samuel Rogers
Poet-banker met at a dinner; shows courtesy to Barnum as an American.
- Mr. W. Tyler
Proprietor of Surrey Zoological Gardens; hosts General Tom Thumb's balloon performances.
Key passages
“We spent half an hour in examining the interesting ruins, and then proceeded by post-chaise to Coventry, a distance of six or eight miles.”
They spent thirty minutes exploring the ruins before traveling by horse-drawn carriage to Coventry, about six to eight miles away.
Describes the travel method and pace of the day trip.
“This exhibition was so remarkable that I bought it and hired the proprietor to accompany it to New York, and it became an attractive feature in my Museum.”
Barnum was so impressed by the 'Happy Family' exhibit that he purchased it and employed its owner to bring it to New York, where it became a popular Museum attraction.
Illustrates Barnum's opportunistic acquisition of exhibits.
“I must instantly have an extra train to Rugby.”
Barnum demanded an immediate special train to Rugby after missing the scheduled one.
Shows Barnum's determination and willingness to pay a premium for punctuality.
