An illustrated history of a beloved cultural building type, Theaters takes us on a visual journey from the early playhouses to modern movie houses as theaters developed in colonial America, on the western frontier, and in cities from coast to coast. This first comprehensive study of American theaters plumbs the great holdings of the Library of Congress, showcasing the wide range of theater forms - from raucous music hall to popular vaudeville, from circus to grand opera and drama, from world's fairs to Coney Island, from nickelodeons to glorious picture palaces. Also featured are burlesque theaters, theaters afloat, military theaters, Shakespearean theaters, summer theaters, and arenas - a history enlivened by a cast of entrepreneurs, showmen, and architects who were the movers and shakers of our theatrical heritage.
Packed with archival photographs and plans, Theaters includes special "interludes" : theater photographs by such renowned artists as Walker Evans, Ben Shahn, Dorothea Lange, Marion Post Wolcott, and Gordon Parks; and the library's collection of drawings by Anthony F. Dumas, published in its entirety for the first time.
Industry Reviews
"It is spectacular! I have no doubt that it will be the standard reference book on this subject." -- Richard J. Sklenar, Executive Director, Theatre Historical Society of America, Inc. "Featuring over 1,200 illustrations and the expertise of architect and historian Craig Morrison, Theaters belongs on your coffee table." -- Patriot News "[A] sweeping look at its subject." -- Keith Runyon - Louisville Courier-Journal "[A] richly illustrated history of a beloved cultural building type." -- Sources & Design "[B]reathtaking in scope...Insightful and readable...a splendid book." -- Peter Wentworth - Charleston Post & Courier "Theaters, itself, should be listed on the National Historic Register in recognition of the service it provides urban historians and modelers!" -- Roger C. Parker - O-Scale Trains Magazine "[A] comprehensive, fascinating survey of the changing history and styles of theaters from early playhouses to modern movie houses...[A] powerful visual reference recommended for any serious theater enthusiast." -- California Bookwatch "[N]o more thorough visual documentation of American theaters has ever been attempted." -- Francis Morrone - Wall Street Journal "[S]plendidly illustrated... comprehensive... monumental work." -- Playbill "[T]he ultimate picture book for anyone interested in historic American theatre buildings...[A] remarkable and engrossing collection of images..." -- Peter Longman - Theatres Magazine "[I]mpressive... [T]he real value of this volume is the breadth of its visual scope..." -- Steve Tompkins - RIBA Journal "[A]n astonishing book...More thoroughly illustrated than any previous work on the subject... [T]he book supplements each illustration with essential facts..." -- Hugh Hardy - Urban Design Review "Rising to the top is Theaters... [A] beautifully illustrated history of American performance venues in all their colorful and varied forms" -- Stephanie Peithman - Stage Directions Magazine