The book should be of use to all students of the American theatre, and it
should be of interest also to the general reader for the picture it presents of
one of the most colorful aspects of life in these United States. It can serve
as the text for courses in the history of the American theatre and as a supple-
mentary text for courses in the history of the American drama.

For courtesies and for assistance in locating many of the selections and pic-
tures in this book, I am grateful to George Freedley, Curator of the Theatre
Collection of the New York Public Library, and to his staff, particularly
Elizabeth Barrett, William H. Matthews, Jr., and Paul Myers.

For assistance in securing pictures, I am grateful also to Mary J. Reardon
of the Theatre Collection of the Harvard College Library; May Davenport
Seymour, Curator of the Theatre and Music Collection of the Museum of the
City of New York; Marcus A. McCorison, Chief of the Rare Book Depart-
ment, Baker Library, Dartmouth College; and Bernard F. Dukore of Hunter
College in the Bronx.

I am especially grateful to my wife, who not only encouraged me in the
undertaking but shared the work of research.
Barnard Hewitt

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