BOOK REVIEW: “NINETEENTH CENTURY AMERICAN PLAYS” Edited by Myron Matlaw

Like every week we post a book review on a subject related to acting, health, personal growth or anything related to the showbiz industry. In this case its one of the Applause books: “Nineteenth Century American Plays”

The book includes:
FASHION by Anna Cora Mowatt (1845)
THE OCTOROON by Dion Boucicault (1859)
RIP VAN WINKLE by Joseph Jefferson (1865)
MARGARET FLEMING by James A. Herne (1890)

This weeks review is probably the shortest we’ve written, because we are not reviewing these popular plays, but the book itself. Obviously the plays are something you can find elsewhere, so why this book? Well, the authors Introduction is a wonderful background and situating piece. Added to that, each play also has its own introduction and gives really great insight to us actors and directors on how to approach them.

So, Is it worth reading? Well… Not really. I believe the introductions are beautifully written and interesting although short. So unless you have a special interest in one of these particular plays I would say don’t waste your money. If you do want to buy it though, go to Nineteenth Century American Plays: Seven Plays Including The Black Crook