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Edwin Booth: A Legendary Actor's Life and Legacy

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Edwin Booth: A Biography and Performance History

by Arthur W. Bloom

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9322 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	360 pages

Edwin Thomas Booth (November 13, 1833 – June 7, 1893) was an American actor from the Booth theatrical family. He was renowned for his interpretations of Shakespearean roles, particularly Hamlet, Othello, Lear, Iago, and Macbeth, but was also celebrated for his performances in other plays, including Richelieu, Brutus, and Bertuccio. Booth's acting was characterized by his powerful presence, his rich voice, and his ability to convey deep emotions.

Booth was born in Bel Air, Maryland, the son of Junius Brutus Booth, a celebrated English actor, and Mary Ann Holmes. He made his stage debut in 1849 at the age of sixteen, appearing in his father's production of Richard III. Booth toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and by the 1860s, he was one of the most popular actors in the English-speaking world.

In 1865, Booth opened his own theater in New York City, which he named Booth's Theatre. The theater was a critical and commercial success, and it quickly became one of the leading playhouses in the city. Booth continued to perform at Booth's Theatre until 1873, when he sold it to the actor Henry Irving.

Booth's personal life was marked by tragedy. In 1864, his first wife, Mary Devlin, died of pneumonia. In 1869, his brother, John Wilkes Booth, assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Booth was devastated by his brother's actions, and he spent the rest of his life trying to distance himself from the tragedy.

Booth continued to tour and perform until his death in 1893. He died of pneumonia at the age of fifty-nine. Booth is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Booth's Legacy

Booth is considered one of the greatest actors of all time. He was praised for his powerful presence, his rich voice, and his ability to convey deep emotions. Booth's interpretations of Shakespearean roles are still considered definitive, and he is credited with helping to popularize Shakespeare in the United States.

Booth's legacy extends beyond his acting. He was also a generous philanthropist, and he donated large sums of money to various charities. He was also a founder of The Players, a social club for actors and other theater professionals.

Booth's life and career are a fascinating study in the art of acting. He was a complex and contradictory figure, but he was undoubtedly one of the most talented and influential actors of his time.

Edwin Booth: A Biography and Performance History

This comprehensive biography and performance history provides an in-depth look at the life and career of Edwin Booth. The book is written by noted theater historian Laurence Senelick, and it is based on extensive research, including interviews with Booth's family, friends, and colleagues.

The book covers Booth's early life, his stage debut, his rise to stardom, and his personal and professional struggles. Senelick provides detailed analyses of Booth's most famous performances, and he offers a fascinating look at the actor's creative process.

Edwin Booth: A Biography and Performance History is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of theater. The book is also a fascinating read for anyone who appreciates great acting.