William Augustus Bowles led an exciting life as an artist, actor, diplomat, navigator, soldier, linguist, chemist, and lawyer. He lived largely among Native Americans, reared an Indian family, circumnavigated the globe as a Spanish prisoner, and mingled freely with British royalty and leading London statesmen, scientists, and actors. Published in 1967, this biography explores the many facets of Bowles's life and career, including his failed attempt at establishing a nominally independent Indian state—the Creek Nation or Muskogee—aligned with Britain. Illustrating the chaotic frontier conditions that existed in the southeast after the American Revolution and the extent to which Britain was still involved even after recognizing American independence, this work provides unique insight into colonial and imperial history post-Revolutionary War.

What happens when an actor owns shares in the stage on which he performs and the newspapers that review his performances? Celebrity that lasts over 240 years. From 1741, David Garrick dominated the London theatre world as the progenitor of a new 'natural' style of acting. From 1747 to 1776, he was a part-owner and manager of Drury Lane, controlling most aspects of the theatre's life. In a spectacular foreshadowing of today's media convergences, he also owned shares in papers including the St James's Chronicle and the Public Advertiser, which advertised and reviewed Drury Lane's theatrical productions. This book explores the nearly inconceivable level of cultural power generated by Garrick's entrepreneurial manufacture and mediation of his own celebrity. Using new technologies and extensive archival research, this book uncovers fresh material concerning Garrick's ownership and manipulation of the media, offering timely reflections for theatre history and media studies.