The Transformation of Tom Thumb: Charles Stratton and P. T. Barnum

The definitive biography of an iconic American entertainer

In 2014, the Victorian Society of America honored Charles Stratton, widely known as Tom Thumb, with the prestigious Henry-Russell Hitchcock Award for his significant contributions to the changing landscape of entertainment.

Charles Stratton: known as "General Tom Thumb," met P. T. Barnum in 1843 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, marking the start of a remarkable entertainment partnership. Together, Barnum's promotional genius and Stratton's comedic talent captivated notable figures of the nineteenth century, including Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Abraham Lincoln. Stratton's career spanned nearly forty years, from his early days as a child prodigy to his untimely death. "Becoming Tom Thumb" unveils the untold story of this iconic figure, chronicling his successes on the New York stage, his extravagant celebrity wedding, and his world tour. Drawing on fresh primary sources and interviews, the book traces his journey from the opulent mansions of Paris to the vast deserts of Australia, highlighting how Stratton's unique brand of humor not only garnered him millions of devotees but also propelled little people from the sidelines into the spotlight.