"Edwin Booth began his career in 1849 as teenager. This biography traces his life and career as a tragic actor, including his childhood; his early acting tours; his rise to fame; his two marriages; his relationship with his brother John Wilkes Booth. Includes extensive appendix detailing every known Edwin Booth performance, with reviews and other materials"--
This biography of 19th-century American stage actor Edwin Booth goes beyond Edwin's relationship with his infamous brother John Wilkes Booth (killer of President Lincoln) to describe the witty yet melancholy Edwin's career on stage and his relationships. The book draws on primary sources such as letters, financial records, broadsides, playbills, newspaper advertisements, and books and magazines from the period, and includes many details on travel in the 19th century. A performance history gives facts on every one of Edwin Booth's known performances. The work contains a wealth of historical photos, all from the Hampden-Booth Library at the Players Educational Foundation. Author Bloom is a former professor. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
