American Theaters: Performance Halls of the Nineteenth Century

By Joan Dillon and David Naylor

Book Overview

This beautifully-photographed book offers the complete history of American theaters, highlighting the 40 best theaters in America-from small town halls, to elaborate urban performance houses. It tells the story of why 19th-century theaters remain such a significant force in America's cities and towns, and in our national cultural identity.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471143936
• ISBN13: 9780471143932
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.6" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

The state-by-state listing of over 200 surviving 19th century theatres assures any serious buff will

American theatres are marvels of design and content and here to celebrate their history is AMERICAN THEATRES, a top pick for any serious college-level holding strong in film and stage history. The book profiles some forty of the finest theatres in operation around the country, covering a range of structures and styles and blending original photos by David Naylor - many published here for the first time - to contrast histories of different venues, from playhouses and opera houses to concert halls. The state-by-state listing of over 200 surviving 19th century theatres assures any serious buff will easily locate venues.

Comprehensive intro to 19th century American theaters

Well-written. Over 300 photos of historic American theaters located in all but six US states (with 18 pages in color). Buildings featured include town hall theaters, Western boom-town opera houses, library theaters, Chautauqua halls, and Grand Opera Houses. Readers will be surprised by the variety and beauty of many theaters in remote areas.