The Making of American Audiences: From Stage to Television, 1750-1990 (Cambridge Studies in the History of Mass Communication)
The evolution of audiencesDchanging faces, roles, tastes, and influenceDis nothing short of amazing. In this substantial and absorbing work, Butsch (Ryder Univ.) synthesizes this rich history. He begins with the early theater, when audiences thought nothing of showing displeasure by throwing eggs, shouting, and demanding public apologies from actors and when seating was based upon complicated sets of social standards. He analyzes many audience groupsDthe working-class b'hoys of the Jacksonian era; members of the aristocracy, who often lined posh opera boxes; women and the productions geared to attract them; and the pervasive listeners from the age of radio and television, etc.Din terms of behavior, politics, social issues, public reactions, economic considerations, contemporary customs, and more. Granted, the almost 250 years covered here seems overwhelming, but Butsch handles the task with ease. This is certainly a scholarly work, but its appealing style will draw a wide range of readers with an interest in the many facets of entertainment. Recommended for scholarly and large entertainment collections.DCarol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, NJCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.