Description

Book Synopsis

Before radio and sound movies, early 20th century performers and lecturers traveled the nation providing entertainment and education to Americans thirsty for culture. These chautauquas brought politicians, activists, scholars, musical ensembles and theatrical productions to remote communities. A conduit for global perspectives and progressive ideas, these gatherings introduced issues like equal suffrage, prohibition and pure food laws to rural America.

This book explores an overlooked yet influential movement in U.S. history, capturing the vagaries of speakers'' and performers'' lives on the road and their reception by audiences. Excerpts from lectures and plays portray a vibrant circuit that in a single summer drew 20 million in more than 9,000 towns.

The Traveling Chautauqua

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Tue 23 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback by Roger E. Barrows

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      Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc
      Publication Date: 1/3/2019 12:07:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9781476677736, 978-1476677736
      ISBN10: 1476677735

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Before radio and sound movies, early 20th century performers and lecturers traveled the nation providing entertainment and education to Americans thirsty for culture. These chautauquas brought politicians, activists, scholars, musical ensembles and theatrical productions to remote communities. A conduit for global perspectives and progressive ideas, these gatherings introduced issues like equal suffrage, prohibition and pure food laws to rural America.

      This book explores an overlooked yet influential movement in U.S. history, capturing the vagaries of speakers'' and performers'' lives on the road and their reception by audiences. Excerpts from lectures and plays portray a vibrant circuit that in a single summer drew 20 million in more than 9,000 towns.

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