Today recognized as a genius of advertising and promotion, circus owner P. T. Barnum was the target of a great deal of ire and controversy during his lifetime. Many of his critics denounced him for knowingly perpetuating gimmicks and frauds. In the thoroughly entertaining volume The Humbugs of the World, Barnum displays his wit, intelligence, and a startling degree of self-awareness by offering up a historical overview of infamous cases of fraud and deception.