Address book that belonged to P. T. Barnum, dating from about 1880 to his death in 1891. An address book can be a useful tool for researching the... Show moreAddress book that belonged to P. T. Barnum, dating from about 1880 to his death in 1891. An address book can be a useful tool for researching the contacts that an individual had, and in Barnum's case, his business and social network was extensive. Barnum was a prolific letter writer, and must have kept his address book close at hand. This tall, narrow book dates from his later years, however, not his entire career, so does not provide a complete picture of his contacts. The custom-embossed leather cover is elaborately patterned in gold, and includes a red rectangle in the upper left that reads "Adresses" and one in the lower right that reads "P. T. Barnum." (Note the unusual spelling of Address.) The spine has no writing, and it is worn. The end papers are elaborately and brightly patterned in green, brown, and gold. As would be expected for book of this type, there are tabbed pages with the letters of the alphabet, making it easier for the user to find a specific name and address. Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891) is primarily associated with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth although he only began to focus on the circus endeavors in his sixties. Prior to that he was the proprietor of the American Museum in New York City from 1842-1868. Museums remained his primary interest as places where he offered the public "instructive amusement" and he always included a museum component in his circus shows. Barnum had many other careers as well: an elected State Representative in Connecticut; Mayor of Bridgeport; a philanthropist, showman, newspaper editor, lecturer, author, and investor, among many. Bridgeport, Connecticut, was his adopted home city, where he built four homes, and was largely responsible for the development of the young city in the mid- to late 1800s. Barnum died there at age 80 in his last home, Marina, and is buried in Mountain Grove Cemetery. Show less