Based on Wanko's (English, West Chester U., Pennsylvania) dissertation (1990, Penn State), this text explores a literary genre which first appeared in Britain in the 18th century: biographies and autobiographies of actors and actresses. Wanko examines the first 100 years of the genre, why it began at that particular time, and its importance to the meaning of theater in 18th-century Britain. Actors discussed include Matthew Coppinger, Joseph Hayns, Lavinia Fenton, Charlotte Clarke, Barton Booth, Colley Cibber, Theophilus Cibber, and David Garrick. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
