A biography of the theatrical family of which Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth was a member traces the rise of Junius Brutus Booth in the theater, Edwin's record-breaking performance of Hamlet, and brother John's most heinous crime. 15,000 first printing. Reader's Digest Cond Bks. Excerpts, American Heritage. - (Baker & Taylor)Recounts the rise of Junius Brutus Booth, Edwin's performances, and John's crime - (Baker & Taylor)
Library Journal Reviews
Told with all the color, pathos, and drama of a Shakespearean tragedy, this is the tale of the Booth family, which counted among its members some of the finest American actors of the 19th century as well as the first assassin of a U.S. president. Noted and notorious, the Booths are important figures not only in the history of the American theater but in the history of America itself. At times, their lives offstage eclipse their dramatic roles. Junius, the father, was an acclaimed Shakespearean actor plagued by insanity; son Edwin portrayed Hamlet 100 times (a record broken only by Lionel Barrymore) and constantly feared that he might inherit his father's affliction; and son John, handsome and flamboyant, performed his most dramatic role as Lincoln's killer. Historical, theatrical, and biographical details abound in this worthy addition to any theater or history collection.-- Carolyn M. Mulac, Chicago P.L. Copyright 1992 Cahners Business Information.
Publishers Weekly Reviews
Exemplary scholarship and deep feelings shape this portrait of the Booth family, a worthy successor to the author's Lee and Grant and his other well-received historical biographies. As events unfold against a wonderfully detailed evocation of the 19th century, Junius Brutus thrills audiences with his portrayals of Shakespeare's King Lear and Richard III, despite his notorious madness. His equally gifted sons were totally different from their father and each other. A great actor, Edwin could barely utter a word offstage; he was painfully depressed and afraid he too might lose his mind. John Wilkes seems to have been sane: a handsome man beloved by women, gregarious, popular, as admired as Edwin in certain roles. When Robert E. Lee surrendered, however, John's commitment to the Southern cause turned his thoughts to revenge, culminating in his assassination of President Lincoln. In vivid detail Smith reveals the murder's dreadful impact on the Booths and numerous others, mostly innocent victims of a tragedy Shakespeare might have written. Illustrations not seen by PW. First serial to American Heritage; Reader's Digest Condensed Books selection. (Sept.) Copyright 1992 Cahners Business Information.
Publishers Weekly Reviews
A theatrical family felled by Lincoln's assassination. Photos. Reader's Digest Condensed Book Club alternate. (Nov.) Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information.
