Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Nineteenth-century Superstars
Until I read Good Brother, Bad Brother, The Story of Edwin Booth and John Wilkes Booth by James Cross Giblin, Clarion Books, 2005, I had not realized just how famous and wealthy actors were at the time of the Civil War.
Edwin Booth was arguably the most famous actor of his day. His brother, John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln was also a superstar. At a time when a Civil War Union soldier's wages were $13 per month, John Wilkes Booth earned $150 for a single reading. For four performances in Cleveland, he earned $1000.
I had also not realized that much of John Wilkes Booth's money went to support the Confederacy.
Kids who like the Civil War, theater, and stories about families will enjoy this book.
Edwin Booth was arguably the most famous actor of his day. His brother, John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln was also a superstar. At a time when a Civil War Union soldier's wages were $13 per month, John Wilkes Booth earned $150 for a single reading. For four performances in Cleveland, he earned $1000.
I had also not realized that much of John Wilkes Booth's money went to support the Confederacy.
Kids who like the Civil War, theater, and stories about families will enjoy this book.
