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Tom Thumb: The Remarkable True Story of a Man in Miniature Audiobook
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(3.13) - 122 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
When Charles S. Stratton was born in 1838, he seemed perfect in every way. But then he stopped growing. At age four, though a happy and mischievous child, he was just over two feet tall and weighed fifteen pounds—the exact size he had been as a seven-month-old baby. It was then that P. T. Barnum persuaded Charley's family to allow him to exhibit their son in his museum and tour him around the world as a curiosity. Tom Thumb, as Barnum dubbed him, was a natural performer. He became enormously popular and wealthy, more so than any other performer before him, in large part due to the marketing genius of Barnum.
In this spirited biography—the first on its subject—George Sullivan recounts the fascinating adventures of the real Tom Thumb, and also raises challenging questions about what constitutes exploitation—both in the nineteenth century and today.
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"A truly spectacular and fascinating look at the life of Tom Thumb, one of the first very famous "little people," who made his debut in show business at P.T. Barnum's American Museum at age 5, twenty-five inches tall and weighing fifteen pounds. From then until his death at age 45, he was not just a sideshow freak but a true showman and entertainer, a crowd favorite of worldwide audiences. Lots of pictures and good, solidly researched information. Excellent choice for reluctant readers, report writers, and everyone else."
— Elizabeth (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Well organized and clearly written, this solid biography offers a vivid portrayal of Stratton and makes a strong case for Tom Thumb as America’s first celebrity.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“While Sullivan touches on the subject of exploitation and the limited understanding of dwarfism in Stratton’s era, his subject emerges not as a victim but as an individual whose talents earned him the public's admiration and a place in history.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Tom’s personal and professional relationships with Barnum make this biography a superb complement to Candace Fleming’s The Great and Only Barnum.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Tom Thumb Listener Reviews
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" What a fascinating story! I would have paid someone to be able to research and write this book. "
— Jennifer, 2/1/2014 -
" Very interesting to read the story of this dwarf who joined P. T. Barnum's traveling show and became worldwide famous. Lots of fascinating photos. "
— Christina, 1/27/2014 -
" Good storytelling, and it's true. Tom Thumb and his wife Lavinia never had kids, but her even smaller sister Minnie married a very short (but bigger than a dwarf) man. I can't get it out of my mind that Minnie died giving birth to a normal sized baby. "
— Kathyred, 1/17/2014 -
" Excellent biography of the worlds most famous and successful Little Person, Charles Stratton aka Tom Thumb. Primary sources, photographs and a good index round out this book. "
— Leigh, 11/10/2013 -
" I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting. Much of the book fea ! tured P.T. Barnum, so now I want to read the Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming. Highly recommend. "
— Jamie, 10/24/2013 -
" Great biography of diminutive celebrity. Excellent photographs. For more insight into P.T. Barnum, read Candance Fleming's excellent The Great and Only Barnum. "
— Edward, 10/12/2013 -
" loved reading this alongside autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin. "
— Kate, 6/12/2013 -
" It's a fascinating story however the author missed the mark. He does not offer any insight behind the persona of this unique man-child and, thus, turned intrigue into dullness. I thought it to read, "Just the facts, maam." hmpf. "
— Jody, 4/24/2013 -
" A very interesting book. I would also recommend The Great and Only Barnum, which also talks about Barnum, Tom Thumb, and their business relationship. "
— Heather, 4/21/2013 -
" This reads on a 6th grade level, but I just found the story so interesting. I always thought Tom Thumb was merely a fairy tale and not a real man. Great photos throughout the book. "
— Karen, 2/23/2013 -
" fun junior section biography, interesting, lots of pictures "
— Tiffany, 2/6/2013 -
" An interesting peek at a remarkable life. I did feel the tone of the book was a bit too dry for children's non fiction, and the book became a little bit too much about Tom's wife and less about Tom towards the end, which took me out of the story a little bit. "
— Jacqueline, 1/8/2013 -
" Quick, easy-to-read, yet surprisingly informative and fascinating account of one of P.T. Barnum's biggest stars. "
— Chad, 1/1/2013 -
" Well done biography "
— Rochelle, 10/8/2012 -
" 3.5 An overall enjoyable and informative book about the life of Tom Thumb. I am sure there are some more sinister dealings but since the this biography is geared towards children, those would not be appropiate. I think the author did a very nice job of describing the life and times of Tom Thumb. "
— JuJu, 10/6/2012
About George Sullivan
George Sullivan writes books of fact, history, and biography for children and young adults. He has more than one hundred titles to his credit. They cover a wide range of subjects, from auto racing to hydroponics, from civil engineering to the Civil War. Publishers Weekly said that Sullivan “has mastered the art of writing simply and directly, making complex subjects understandable and interesting.” Photography and photographers have been the subjects of some of his recent books. His interest in photography goes beyond just writing about it. He sometimes takes the photographs that are used to illustrate his work. Recent books of his include: Knockout! A Photobiography of Joe Louis, Helen Keller: Her Life in Pictures, and Berenice Abbott, Photographer: An Independent Vision. George Sullivan lives with his wife in New York City.
About Barry Press
Barry Press has been an active professional actor, director, and teacher for over thirty-five years. He has performed off Broadway and at numerous regional theaters from Alaska to Florida. He is founder and artistic director of Living Literature, a Rhode Island–based literacy program.