The Encyclopedia of Vaudeville: [Hardcover]

Anthony Slide (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313280274 | ISBN-13: 978-0313280276 | Publication Date: March 7, 1994

For a relatively short period of time, from the mid- to late-1800s, through the early 1930s, vaudeville was an American institution, as important in its day as radio, the motion picture and television. This book provides an encyclopedic guide to vaudeville. Included are entries not only on the performers, but also on individuals active behind the scenes in various administrative capacities, major theatres, genres, historical terms, vaudeville houses in individual cities, and much more. In addition to biographical data, entries on vaudevillians may include contemporary criticism, a sampling of an act's various routines, commentary by the performers, and an appraisal of the performer's place in vaudeville history. Bibliographies for entries are included where appropriate, and the volume concludes with a guide to vaudeville resources and a general bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

From the mid-1800s to the early 1930s, vaudeville existed as a dominant form of entertainment. Here, Slide (The Slide Area, LJ 2/15/93) includes biographies, songs, and subjects that give the reader a full concept of this once-important recreation. The theaters and towns where vaudeville was performed are also covered in the readable text. The mostly referenced entries run from only a few lines to three pages and are followed by a resource list. Names are given in alphabetical order by last name, but, with first names preceding last names in the text, some readers may be confused. Still, this much-needed update will be a valuable addition to most libraries, given the breadth of its coverage. Highly recommended.
Ina M. Wise, Daley Community Coll. Lib., Chicago
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Vaudeville, that uniquely American, turn-of-the-century form of entertainment, launched many a career for now legendary stars of stage and screen. Vaudeville theaters were sources of inexpensive, wholesome variety entertainment. Each act lasted about 30 minutes, and audiences were treated to evenings of performances by jugglers, dancers, singers, acrobats, animal acts, magicians, impersonators, and more. Vaudeville offered something to satisfy nearly everyone's tastes.

Gypsy Rose Lee, Jack Benny, Milton Berle, Al Jolson, Douglas Fairbanks, Lillian Russell, W. C. Fields, Ethel Waters, Rudy Vallee, Mae West, and Will Rogers are some of the more well known vaudevillians featured in this encyclopedia. The Ziegfeld Follies, Dolly Sisters, and bandleader Little Jack Little are among the many performers brought to life through detailed descriptions and summaries. In addition, managers, composers, troupes, routines, and animal acts are described. The alphabetically arranged entries are historical and biographical in content. Careers are documented in detail, with sample routines included where appropriate. Some entries conclude with references to further reading. Histories of vaudeville theaters and major cities are also provided. Personal commentaries by former vaudevillians and reflections by contemporary performers add to the flavor of this unusual encyclopedia, as does an insert of black-and-white photographs.

Slide is a well-known writer on film, theater, and other forms of entertainment. His book, which concludes with a list of library and museum resources, a bibliography, and a detailed index, captures and documents the many components of this bygone era of American entertainment. Most libraries with sizable popular performing arts collections will be interested in acquiring The Encyclopedia of Vaudeville.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 656 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood (March 7, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313280274
• ISBN-13: 978-0313280276
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Music

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Vaudeville Resource!, October 9, 1998

By 

John Kenrick ([e-mail]) (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Vaudeville: (Hardcover)

What a spectacular book! This will be the starting point for all future researchers of the subject. It's not your typical, dry encyclopedia text. I read it from cover to cover, and found every page enjoyable, fascinating reading. Slide presents beautifully written articles on hundreds of topics, individuals and locations -- and with a wealth of footnotes and resource lists. There's even a small but exquisite selection of photos. I've been researching vaudeville for years, and I learned more from this one book than any five others on the subject. Anyone interested in vaudeville owes Slide a genuine debt for this one. Wherever you are, Mr. Slide, three cheers!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a beautiful thing to do - Thank you, Mr. Slide!, April 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Vaudeville: (Hardcover)

Those of us with a love and fascination for vaudeville, but who were just born too late, owe a real debt to Anthony Slide. This book, while a little light on the stories so near and dear to my heart (though I suppose you can get those from "All My Best Friends" by George Burns) is still an absolutely invaluable reference piece. I'm sure there are others out there (you know who you are!) who wish they could have been there- to see a young Eddie Cantor run around the stage for eight shows a day with total abandon; to witness W.C. Fields as he originally performed, as a silent juggling clown(!); to watch the Ziegfield spectacles; to see, quite simply, the GREATEST ENTERTAINER THAT EVER LIVED, Al Jolson. This doesn't put you in the front row of the Palace, but it sure helps. Even if you're not a fan of this truly American artform, you should be proud that a resource like this exists (and in nigh-indestructible library binding, to boot!) Not cheap, but well worth it.