Joseph Jefferson: Dean of the American Theatre - Hardcover

Bloom, Arthur

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0913720550 ISBN 13: 9780913720554

Publisher: Beil (Frederic C.) Publisher,US, 2000

Synopsis

Having been an academic administrator in visual and performing arts at several prestigious US institutions, Bloom here offers a full-length biography of one of the foremost of a long-standing and distinguished family of English and American actors. He follows Jefferson (1829-1905) from his childhood in an artistic family through his career from resident stock companies featuring touring stars to what today are called road shows. Jefferson is best known for his role as Rip Van Winkle. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About this title

Product Description:

A biography of Joseph Jefferson, the foremost member of a distinguished family of English and American actors, whose career spanned the growth of the American theatre. Drawing from substantial research, the book re-assesses a life packed with bravura and romance.

Synopsis:

This is the first in-depth biography of Joseph Jefferson, one of the foremost of an old and distinguished family of English and American actors. Born in 1829, Jefferson became one of the most beloved actors in America and probably the most successful. His career spans the growth of the theatre from resident stock companies featuring touring stars to "combination" companies (what we would call road shows). Jefferson played in virtually every American city; and although he proved himself a skilled actor in more than a hundred roles, he was particularly famous for his characterisation of Rip Van Winkle. A painter of merit and member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, he succeeded Edwin Booth as president of The Players in New York City and hence was the acknowledged head of American actors. Having been on the stage for seventy-one years, Jefferson died on Shakespeare's birthday in 1905. Drawing on a stunning amount of research, Arthur Bloom reassesses a life packed with bravura and romance. The result is an extraordinary, vibrant biography of a fascinating and celebrated actor.

About this edition

• Publisher: Beil (Frederic C.) Publisher,US
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0913720550
• ISBN 13: 9780913720554
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 506