It is obviously impossible, in writing of persons so prominently before the public as the women considered in this book, to secure any great amount of new matter regarding the chief incidents of their lives, and the author wishes frankly to acknowledge himself a compiler and editor in so far as biographical details are concerned. The facts were gathered from various contemporaneous publications, and in some instances, from the actresses themselves. Accuracy has been the aim, but sometimes it has appeared, after a careful sifting of ambiguous and contradictory statements, that a well-considered guess was the only apparent solution of the problem. In so far as criticism is concerned the opinions expressed, except where credit is given, are the author's own, and he has endeavored to be just with kindness, and still to preserve a proper sense of proportion. In preparing the list of the actresses it was necessary to exclude from it many worthy of notice. A numerical limit had to be fixed, and in the process of selection the preference was given to those whose work during the last season was especially notable. The arrangement of the book is purely mechanical, and comparisons, which are usually foolish, and always valueless, are purposely avoided. - Preface.

Including more than 300 alphabetically listed entries, this 2-volume set presents a timely and detailed overview of some of the most significant contributions women have made to American popular culture from the silent film era to the present day. The lives and accomplishments of women from various aspects of popular culture are examined, including women from film, television, music, fashion, and literature. In addition to profiles, the encyclopedia also includes chapters that provide a historical review of gender, domesticity, marriage, work, and inclusivity in popular culture as well as a chronology of key achievements. This reference work is an ideal introduction to the roles women have played, both in the spotlight and behind it, throughout the history of popular culture in America. From the stars of Hollywood's Golden Age to the chart toppers of the 2020s, author Laura L. Finley documents how attitudes towards these icons have evolved and how their influence has shifted throughout time. The entries and essays also address such timely topics as feminism, the #MeToo movement, and the gender pay gap.

In 'Heroines of the Modern Stage' by Forrest Izard, the author delves into the portrayal of female characters in modern theater, examining their roles, complexities, and impact on the stage. Izard's analytical approach to the literary and social significance of these heroines offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of gender dynamics and representation in contemporary plays. Through detailed character studies and nuanced interpretations, Izard sheds light on the evolution of women's roles in theater, highlighting the power and agency of these heroines in shaping narratives and challenging societal norms. Drawing on a range of dramatic works, from classic plays to avant-garde productions, Izard demonstrates the enduring relevance of these strong and multifaceted characters in the modern theatrical landscape. Forrest Izard, a renowned theater scholar and critic, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to 'Heroines of the Modern Stage'. His deep understanding of dramatic literature and feminist theory enriches the book's insightful analysis, offering readers a comprehensive study of female representation in contemporary theater. This insightful and meticulously researched book is a must-read for theater enthusiasts, academics, and anyone interested in the intersection of gender, performance, and culture.

The second volume of the authoritative, multi-volume Cambridge History of American Theatre, first published in 1999, begins in the post-Civil War period and traces the development of American theatre up to 1945. It covers all aspects of theatre from plays and playwrights, through actors and acting, to theatre groups and directors. Topics examined include vaudeville and popular entertainment, European influences, theatre in and beyond New York, the rise of the Little Theatre movement, changing audiences, modernism, the Federal Theatre movement, scenography, stagecraft, and architecture. Contextualising chapters explore the role of theatre within the context of American social and cultural history, and the role of American theatre in relation to theatre in Europe and beyond. This definitive history of American theatre includes contributions from the following distinguished academics - Thomas Postlewait, John Frick, Tice L. Miller, Ronald Wainscott, Brenda Murphy, Mark Fearnow, Brooks McNamara, Thomas Riis, Daniel J. Watermeier, Mary C. Henderson, and Warren Kliewer.