Description:
"A History of the American Drama From the Civil War to the Present Day" is a comprehensive and authoritative examination of the evolution of the American stage during one of its most transformative eras. Spanning two expansive volumes, Arthur Hobson Quinn provides a meticulous account of the playwrights, performances, and cultural shifts that defined American theater from the mid-nineteenth century through the early twentieth century.
Volume I traces the development of dramatic forms from the era of Augustin Daly through the prolific career and eventual death of Clyde Fitch, highlighting the move toward realism and the professionalization of the American playwright. Volume II continues this narrative, beginning with the influential works of William Vaughn Moody and exploring the vibrant theatrical landscape of the 1920s. Quinn explores the intersection of social change and artistic expression, documenting how the American drama moved from melodrama and spectacle toward a sophisticated, indigenous literary tradition.
This work remains an essential resource for students of theater history and literary criticism, offering deep insights into the pioneers who shaped the modern American stage. By chronicling the lives and legacies of foundational figures, Quinn preserves the heritage of a medium that reflected the growing complexity of the American identity.
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This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
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