Actors and American Culture, 1880-1920 (American Civilization)
"A major contribution to the study of the American theater . . . thoroughly researched, well-documented, and illustrated . . . belongs in every library." --Choice"A serious, thoroughgoing study . . . cultural movements flow together as into a sort of tide, floating the actor up in the mind of the public until the pinnacle of the American dream is reached."  --Times Literary Supplement"It is always a pleasure to review a book of this quality and importance  . . . and it is refreshing to see cultural history linked to such larger social changes as urbanization and the rise of mass media . . . a first-class job."  --Reviews in American History"This is an admirable book for several reasons. Chief among them is Benjamin McArthur's fidelity to his purpose: to trace and document the actor's changing position in American culture during the forty years from 1880 to 1920. . . . In fulfilling his purpose, McArthur cites much unusual information not found in standard histories of the theater." --American Historical Review--This text refers to an alternatePaperbackedition.