215 rare vintage views mdash; from first daguerreotype made in America (1839) to eve of World War I mdash; capture the charm of yesteryear: panoramas; street scenes; landmarks; President-elect Lincolns visit; 1876 Centennial Exposition; much more.
#164745 in eBooks 2013-08-16 2013-07-19File Name: B00DGBMDNM
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. You think you already know what this book is about; but you really dont . . .By P. F. SchmitzWarren Hoffman has written a wonderfully insightful and original piece of scholarship that is a pleasure to read; despite all of the difficult truths it addresses.Not just an examination of African-American; Latino; Asian; or Native American culture in American musicals; it is also examination of how the very definition of Whiteness is exhibited and developed over the history of this theatrical form. Hoffman uses his scholarly background to marvelous effect. I learned so much from this book - it has broadened and deepened my knowledge of something I had thought I was already pretty savvy about. I cant recommend it enough.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A new book on the American Musical sheds light on race in AmericaBy Thom TaylorHaving read Warren Hoffmans previous book; The Passing Game; I expected this new work to be filled with extensive research and deep analysis of a subject that Im greatly interested in. I was not disappointed. This is a story that presents the American musical as an expression of the history of white identity in America; and how the experiences of people of color have become absent in our musical theater culture; even when there was every reason to consider making them part of the story of the 20th Century. Mr. Hoffman has a powerful vision and a good story to tell. His analysis takes us into the world of several classic musicals; from Show Boat in 1927 up to the present day musicals such as The Book of Mormon; in a way we have never seen them before. One particularly favorite part of the book is his detailed exploration of Rogers and Hammersteins 1943 musical Oklahoma! and Irving Berlins 1946 Annie Get Your Gun. Both musicals are about "the creation; negotiation and consolidation of caucasian identity as it is played out between whites and natives on the western frontier." (p.57) In Oklahoma!; cowboys like Curley function to protect the frontier from an unseen enemy: the Native American. Best of all; we learn the meaning of the name Oklahoma: Red People! I wonder how many people in Oklahoma know what their states name actually means? "Youre doing fine Oklahoma;" is what the famous title song proudly proclaims. But the people in Rogers and Hammersteins Oklahoma! are actually saying "Youre doing fine Red people!;" but there are no Red people to be seen in this show. There are other excellent chapters on Show Boat; A Chorus Line; West Side Story and The Music Man. Another highlight is the chapter; "Carbon Copies: Blacks and Interracial Productions of White Musicals" which features Pearl Bailey as Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello Dolly! In The Great White Way; Dollys maiden name is an important clue to her background. How actresses playing her choose to interpret what being a Gallagher means is one important detail brought to light in this chapter which manages to cover many facets of our culture. For those who like to read the footnotes; there are treasures to be found there as well. One in particular concerns the box office returns for Stephen Sondheims Sweeney Todd which was quite surprising.I understand that Mr. Hoffman is no longer in the academic world which seems unfortunate. This book; however; truly belongs in classrooms; and hopefully that is where this important new book will get to do the most good. I know a few academics; and all have expressed great interest in reading The Great White Way. I look forward to Warren Hoffmans next work. But until then; I encourage as many people as possible to read The Great White Way: Race and the Broadway Musical. You will definitely learn many new interesting and important things. One thing I learned is that Warren Hoffmans star is rising!1 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Brief summation of "The Great White Way"By Keith VanCampThank you for asking me my opinion. I have not finished the book completely; but so far it is fascinating reading. I believe it is well researched as well. Hope to get back to you when Im finished.