The Hamlet of Edwin Booth

In 1870, a young man named Charles Clarke attended a performance of Hamlet at Booth's Theatre, with Edwin Booth in the title role. It was to be a life-changing experience. Overwhelmed by the power and depth of Booth's presentation, Clarke took every possible opportunity to watch Booth perform in Hamlet, bringing with him a prompt book copy of the script which allowed him to make detailed notes about Booth's stage business, voice tones, facial expressions and other performance details. To read the result is almost like watching a mental video of the actor on stage. With Edwin Booth's Performances: the Mary Isabella Stone Commentaries, edited by Daniel Watermeier, this is essential reading for a thorough understanding of Booth's approach to his work, and the impact of his acting on the contemporary audience. Shattuck, as editor, provides a thorough background, as well as thoughtful commentary and analysis, while managing not to stand in the way of his subject. ( )