Prince of Players: Edwin Booth

by Eleanor Ruggles

Book by Ruggles, Eleanor

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Theatre

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

Reviews

[Amy Roebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book this is. What an amazing life he led. How sad that all his talent, hard work and accomplishments were outweighed by his brother's tragic act (no pun intended).

[Stephanie Ziebarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly pulled this book off a shelf in our family library, expecting it to be fiction. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was non-fiction, yet as engaging as a good novel. This is the story of Edwin Booth, yet it also delves into his family's story, including that of his infamous brother, John Wilkes Booth.

I thoroughly enjoyed exposing myself to a part of American history with which I am unfamiliar. I appreciated Ruggles' thorough research and her willingness to address complex people with a sympathetic lens.

[Chris]

An unexpected enjoyable read. At times, a better understanding of the plays of Shakespeare would have been helpful. The insights into the character and actions of Edwin’s brother, John Wilkes, were fascinating.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book; better than the movie, which I also liked. It goes over his entire life, which was sadly tragic with some blessings. It was probably why he was such a great tragedian. I wanted to learn more about Edwin Booth and this is a great to do so.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elegantly composed history of America’s greatest actor, who just happened to be the son of America’s first greatest actor… and, oh yeah, whose brother killed Abraham Lincoln. Ruggles provides a wealth of curious details and entertaining quotes from letters, which makes for a vivid glimpse into America’s repertory-based theatrical past.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📙This book was published in 1953.
🖋️ Book review: Well-written biography of Edwin Booth.
🎥 1955 movie version with Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson.
🖊 1955 movie review with Richard Burton, John Derek. : Review when I find the movie to watch.
📙+🎥 = 🖊 Comparing short story to movie: TBA
📽 ●▬● 📙 ●▬● 📽

[Jmolentin]

Bought it at the Salvation Army in PB. I remember finding it very interesting. Time to read it Fin

[Lee T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific biography of Edwin Booth & a great snapshot of a very different time.