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A Book of the Play: Studies and Illustrations of Histrionic Story, Life, and Character: Play Guide and Free Edition

A Book of the Play: Studies and Illustrations of Histrionic Story, Life, and Character: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

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AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

A Book of the Play: Studies and Illustrations of Histrionic Story, Life, and Character is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Cook, Dutton (1829–1883).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"A Book of the Play" by Dutton Cook is a collection of studies and illustrations relating to theatrical life and history, written in the late 19th century. This work delves into various aspects of the British Theatre, recounting details and curiosities that are often overlooked by more traditional historians of the stage. It aims to entertain and educate those interested in the intricacies of playwriting, performance, and the societal impacts of theatre throughout history. The opening of the book presents a reflective overview of the playgoing experience, tracing the evolution of audiences and their perceptions of theatre from its origins with early players like Thespis to the attitudes of contemporary theatre-goers. Cook discusses the nostalgia of older audiences who often lament a perceived decline in theatrical quality, contrasted with the enthusiasm of youth who are enthralled by the magic of performance. Through anecdotes and historical references, he explores the relationship between audiences and performers, as well as the changing cultural significance of theatre across time. This introduction establishes a foundation for the subsequent chapters, which promise to provide further insight into various facets of theatrical practice and history.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: A Book of the Play: Studies and Illustrations of Histrionic Story, Life, and Character
  • Author credits: Cook, Dutton (1829–1883)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Theater -- Great Britain -- History

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: History - British
  • Category: Plays/Films/Dramas

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

Sources

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