Book: "Life and Travels of Thomas Thumb in the United States, England, France, and Belgium with Illustrations of Him in His Different Costumes"
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1849 (Date manufactured/created)
Illustrated children's book entitled "Life and Travels of Thomas Thumb in the United States, England, France, and Belgium with Illustrations of Him in His Different Costumes" by Lindsay and Blakiston, Philadelphia [Pennsylvania]. The book is about Charles S. Stratton, a little person performer who worked for P. T. Barnum and was known by his stage name, "General Tom Thumb." The book was published in 1849, when Stratton was eleven years old. (Barnum had initially promoted Stratton as being eleven in 1844 when he was actually just six, so inconsistencies in references to Stratton's age can be attributed to that false advertising.) The book contains several illustrations which were hand-colored in watercolor. The story uses "Tom Thumb" as a model of achievement, revealing what a child could do if he or she applied himself to learning. Stratton had been a "quick study" when Barnum first hired him in 1842, and soon after when Barnum took him on a three-year tour of Europe to meet royalty and heads of state, and perform in dozens of venues. The book was written to encourage young people to do likewise, applying themselves to their schooling, learning proper etiquette (manners), and good behavior. The text is quite large, appropriate for young readers. The illustrations include Stratton as a dandy; as a sailor; as a marquis; being received by Prince Albert and the royal children of Windsor; addressing the King and Queen of Belgium; and at a reception given by the royal family of France. The worn book cover is a faded black with gold printing. The center features an embossed depiction of Stratton in his Scottish Highlander costume. Behind him there is a table on which there is a full-size top hat, upside down. The hat is included in the image to contrast with Stratton's miniature stature.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
2014.010.001