Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in 19th-century America to meet the self-proclaimed showman, P.T. Barnum. He was a man famous for his museums and shows as well as "curiosities" such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies and The Fiji Mermaid. But look beyond Barnum’s infamous spin and you’ll find that contrary to his pop culture image this showman was far from the greatest. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Charlotte Potter A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
Tags:
Older Episodes
Greg takes us to 1920s USA to follow the implementation and after effects of Prohibition.
Greg takes us to the 19th century to meet an icon of American history, Sacagawea.
Greg Jenner takes us to 18th-century America to see what happens after independence.
Greg Jenner takes us back to 1920s New York to explore the Harlem Renaissance.
Greg Jenner takes us to 18th-century France to meet the Chevalier de Saint- Georges.
Greg Jenner takes us to medieval Iceland to delve into the world of old Norse literature.
Greg Jenner takes us back to medieval China to explore the Tang Dynasty.
Greg Jenner takes us back to 16th-century Scotland to meet King James VI.
Greg Jenner heads to 17th-century Ghana to learn all about the incredible Asante Empire.
Greg Jenner travels to 15th-century Rome to introduce us to the infamous Borgias family.
Greg Jenner introduces us to the strange world of Ancient Greek and Roman medicine.
Greg Jenner takes us to 16th century Ireland to meet pirate queen Grainne O’Malley.
Greg Jenner takes us back to Ancient Mesopotamia to explore the Babylonian civilisation.
Greg Jenner takes us back to 1st-century Rome to meet Agrippina the Younger.
Greg Jenner and his guests head back to explore the Mughal Empire and its legacy.
Greg Jenner and his guests explore the culinary and cultural history of chocolate.
Greg Jenner and his guests explore the surprising history of the Victorian Christmas.
Greg Jenner and his guests take us to 1920s Paris to meet the phenomenal Josephine Baker.
Greg Jenner and his guests take a trip across the Atlantic on The Mayflower.
