James A. Bailey

WHAT IF...you could spend almost every day of your life at the circus? WHAT IF...you could travel with that circus around the world, seeing sights that most people never get to see? WHAT IF...you could hang out every day with elephants, camels, giraffes, monkeys, lions, tigers, bears, horses, and snakes? This was the life James Anthony Bailey lived. Orphaned at age 8, James Bailey, through determination and hard work, grew up to become a multi-millionaire who owned one of the most famous circuses in the world. But while history has swept him into the iconic shadow of his business partner, P. T. Barnum, many people who knew him or worked for him considered him to be not only a good man and a great showman, but the best circus manager of his time. He lived an extraordinary life. This is his story. Recommended for ages 9-12.