Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
Successful Management explained
Barnum details the immense head-work and handwork required to manage Jenny Lind's American tour, including orchestrating public opinion through biographies, foreign correspondence, and press coverage.
What happens
Barnum details the immense head-work and handwork required to manage Jenny Lind's American tour, including orchestrating public opinion through biographies, foreign correspondence, and press coverage. He describes the New York Herald's editorial praising Lind, his letter to John Jay addressing Lind's evil advisers and backbitings, and various incidents highlighting Lind's benevolence, such as giving a $20 gold-piece to a poor girl in Boston. The chapter also covers their visit to Iranistan, a rumor of marriage between Barnum and Lind, and their travels to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington (where Barnum recalls a card game with Senator Foote), Richmond, and Charleston, including a perilous sea voyage. Barnum emphasizes the importance of managing public perception and the success of the enterprise.
Themes in this chapter
Showmanship and Humbug
Barnum describes his strategic use of biographies, foreign correspondence, and printer's ink to create excitement and manage public opinion before Jenny Lind's debut.
Public Perception and Reputation
Barnum emphasizes the importance of managing public perception, addressing backbitings, and ensuring Jenny Lind's mind is free from distrust.
Philanthropy and Public Service
Jenny Lind's benevolence is highlighted through her charitable acts, such as giving money to a poor girl in Boston and donating to Swedish friends.
Financial Wisdom and Economy
Barnum discusses the financial risks and success of the Lind speculation, and his careful management of expenses and receipts.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Narrator and manager, describes his extensive preparations and management of Jenny Lind's tour, including head-work and handwork, and his letter to John Jay.
- Jenny Lind
The Swedish Nightingale, central figure of the tour; her benevolence is highlighted through charitable acts, and she jokes with Barnum about a marriage rumor.
- Mr. John Jay
Jenny Lind's adviser; Barnum writes him a letter expressing concern about Lind's evil advisers and backbitings.
- Mr. Julius Benedict
Accompanies Jenny Lind; Barnum mentions him in the letter to John Jay as someone who might be advised.
- Signor Belletti
Accompanies Jenny Lind during the tour, mentioned as part of the party.
- Henry Bennett
Mentioned as a member of the party visiting Mount Vernon.
- Mr. James Gordon Bennett
Editor of the New York Herald, which published an editorial praising Jenny Lind.
- Colonel John S. Dusolle
Mentioned as part of the Mount Vernon visit party.
Key passages
“No one can imagine the amount of head-work and handwork which I performed during the first four weeks after Jenny Lind’s arrival.”
Barnum emphasizes the immense mental and physical effort he put into managing the tour in the initial month.
Highlights Barnum's intensive labor behind the scenes.
“The first great assembly at Castle Garden was not gathered by Jenny Lind’s musical genius and powers alone. She was effectually introduced to the public before they had seen or heard her.”
Barnum explains that the success of the debut was due to his promotional efforts, not just Lind's talent.
Illustrates Barnum's showmanship and marketing strategy.
“I am happy to say that the press generally echoed the voice of her praise from first to last.”
Barnum notes that the media consistently praised Jenny Lind throughout the tour.
Reflects the positive public perception managed by Barnum.
“All I fear is, that these continual backbitings, if listened to by her, will, by and by, produce a feeling of distrust or regret, which will lead to unpleasant results.”
Barnum worries that negative talk from advisers might cause Jenny Lind to distrust him and harm their partnership.
Shows Barnum's concern for maintaining a good relationship with Lind.
“I have risked much money on the issue of this speculation—it has proved successful.”
Barnum acknowledges the financial risk he took with the Lind tour and its eventual success.
Demonstrates Barnum's entrepreneurial risk-taking.
