| Description |
1 online resource (xvii, 438 pages) : illustrations |
| Contents |
Cradles in the profession -- Marking the progress of civilization -- Behind the cart of Thespis -- An actor prepares -- Echoing the public voice -- Triumphs in comedy and melodrama -- Nibbling at stardom -- A mighty Nimrod of theatrical touring -- Mr. Jefferson and Rip Van Winkle -- Brining the "sleepy piece" home -- A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy -- Are we do soon forgot? |
| Summary |
The most beloved American comedic actor of the nineteenth century, Joseph Jefferson made his name as Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle. In this book, a compelling blend of biography and theatrical and cultural history, Benjamin McArthur chronicles Jefferson's remarkable career and offers a lively and original account of the heroic age of the American theatre. Joe Jefferson's entire life was spent on the stage, from the age of Jackson to the dawn of motion pictures. He extensively toured the United Statesas well as Australia and Great Britain. An ever-successful career (including acclaim as painter and memoirist) put him in the company of the great actors, artists, and writers of the day, including Edwin Forrest, Edwin Booth, John Singer Sargent, and William Dean Howells. This book rescues a brilliant figure and places him, appropriately enough, on center stage of a pivotal time for American theatre. McArthur explores the personalities of the period, the changing theatrical styles and their audiences, the touring life, and the wide and varied culture of theatre. Through the life of Jefferson, McArthur is able to illuminate an era |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 357-422) and index |
| Notes |
Master and use copy. Digital master created according to Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials, Version 1. Digital Library Federation, December 2002. http://purl.oclc.org/DLF/benchrepro0212 MiAaHDL |
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In English |
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digitized 2010 HathiTrust Digital Library committed to preserve pda MiAaHDL |
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Print version record |
| Subject |
Jefferson, Joseph, 1829-1905.
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| SUBJECT |
Jefferson, Joseph, 1829-1905 fast |
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Jefferson, Joseph Schauspieler. swd |
| Subject |
Actors -- United States -- Biography
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Theater -- United States -- History -- 19th century
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HISTORY / General.
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Actors
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Theater
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United States
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| Genre/Form |
Biographies
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History
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| ISBN |
9780300150186 |
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0300150180 |
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