| Heralds of Promise: The Drama of the American People During the Age of Jackson, 1829-1849 Contributor(s): Meserve, Walter (Author) |
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ISBN: 0313250154 ISBN-13: 9780313250156 Publisher: Praeger OUR PRICE: $94.05 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: May 1986 Annotation: Here is a fascinating account of the struggle to create a viable American theatre and dramatic tradition in a society that, while eager for culture and entertainment, provided an environment hostile to their development. Meserve begins by describing the potential for dramatic writing that existed in America in 1829 and the obstacles faced by the many talented dramatists who emerged during the period. The author describes the work of playwrights in American popular theatre--their dramatization of current events and social issues and their attempts to adapt popular fiction and foreign plays. Two major categories of playwright are emphasized--the journeyman or actor-playwright and the literary playwright. The author finds that by 1850 virtually all of the outstanding American playwrights were either dead or had withdrawn from the theatrical scene. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Drama | American - General - History | United States - 19th Century - History | Americas (north Central South West Indies) |
| Dewey: 812.309 |
| LCCN: 85021846 |
| Lexile Measure: 1480 |
| Series: Contributions in Sociology, |
| Physical Information: 0.69" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (1.27 lbs) 286 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - 19th Century |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Here is a fascinating account of the struggle to create a viable American theatre and dramatic tradition in a society that, while eager for culture and entertainment, provided an environment hostile to their development. Meserve begins by describing the potential for dramatic writing that existed in America in 1829 and the obstacles faced by the many talented dramatists who emerged during the period. The author describes the work of playwrights in American popular theatre--their dramatization of current events and social issues and their attempts to adapt popular fiction and foreign plays. Two major categories of playwright are emphasized--the journeyman or actor-playwright and the literary playwright. The author finds that by 1850 virtually all of the outstanding American playwrights were either dead or had withdrawn from the theatrical scene. |