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United States - Theater - History & Criticism, Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings, U.S.A. - General & Miscellaneous Architecture
Theaters by Craig Morrison — book cover

Theaters

by Craig Morrison, Andrew Craig Morrison
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Overview

The latest title in the Norton/Library of Congress Visual Sourcebooks series, Theaters offers a richly illustrated history of a revered cultural artifact and a technological challenge, following its progression from the eighteenth-century opera house to the modern movie multiplex.

This visual sourcebook traces the development of its colorful and varied forms as they developed in early America, on the western frontier, and in cities from coast to coast. The first comprehensive study of American theaters, it illustrates their wide range from raucous music halls to vaudeville, from circus to grand opera, from World's Fair to Coney island, from nickelodeon to glorious picture palace. Also featured are theaters for burlesque, theaters afloat, military theaters, Shakespearean theaters, summer theaters, theaters and African-Americans, and arenas (when a stage just won't do), enlivened by a cast of entrepreneurs and showmen who were the movers and shakers of our theatrical heritage.

Synopsis

The latest title in the Norton/Library of Congress Visual Sourcebooks series, Theaters offers a richly illustrated history of a revered cultural artifact and a technological challenge, following its progression from the eighteenth-century opera house to the modern movie multiplex.

About the Author, Craig Morrison

Craig Morrison, an architect and theater historian, lives in New York City.

Reviews

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Editorials

Richard J. Sklenar

“It is spectacular! I have no doubt that it will be the standard reference book on this subject.”

Patriot News

“Featuring over 1,200 illustrations and the expertise of architect and historian Craig Morrison, Theaters belongs on your coffee table.”

Sources & Design

“[A] richly illustrated history of a beloved cultural building type.”

California Bookwatch

“[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.”

Playbill

“[S]plendidly illustrated… comprehensive… monumental work.”

Keith Runyon - Louisville Courier-Journal

“[A] sweeping look at its subject.”

Peter Wentworth - Charleston Post & Courier

“[B]reathtaking in scope...Insightful and readable…a splendid book.”

Roger C. Parker - O-Scale Trains Magazine

Theaters, itself, should be listed on the National Historic Register in recognition of the service it provides urban historians and modelers!”

Francis Morrone - Wall Street Journal

“[N]o more thorough visual documentation of American theaters has ever been attempted.”

Peter Longman - Theatres Magazine

“[T]he ultimate picture book for anyone interested in historic American theatre buildings…[A] remarkable and engrossing collection of images…”

Steve Tompkins - RIBA Journal

“[I]mpressive. . . . [T]he real value of this volume is the breadth of its visual scope...”

Hugh Hardy - Urban Design Review

“[A]n astonishing book…More thoroughly illustrated than any previous work on the subject… [T]he book supplements each illustration with essential facts…”

Stephanie Peithman - Stage Directions Magazine

“Rising to the top is Theaters… [A] beautifully illustrated history of American performance venues in all their colorful and varied forms”

Book Details

Published
November 1, 2005
Publisher
Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Pages
400
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780393731088

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