Edwin Booth reading Othello

[mildmanneredmayhem]

Edwin's one of my favorite historical figures. I wish more people knew about him.

[mudandbleach]

@mildmanneredmayhem was doing research on him for a paper. he was fascinating.

[mildmanneredmayhem]

She gave me for my pains a world of sighs.

She swore, i' faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange;

'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful.

She wished she had not heard it; yet she wished

That heaven had made her such a man. She thanked me;

And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her,

I should but teach him how to tell my story,

And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake.

She loved me for the dangers I had passed,

And I loved her that she did pity them.

[FresnoTimeLord]

Umm....How do we know this is him??? Didn't Old Edison invent his sound recorder Lonnggg After the booth brothers??

[Fma42081]

@FresnoTimeLord Thomas Edison invented the personal dictation machine or Cylinder recording in 1877 Edwin Booth died on June 7, 1893 this recording is also on display at Vincent Voice Library at Michigan state university

[eslubin]

There are so many techniques that are hinted to here that are lost to time now

[skippyd89]

I read two bios of Edwin that may still be found in libraries: "The Prince of Players" and "The Darling of Misfortune." "Prince of Players" was made into a film starring a young Richard Burton as Edwin, John Derek as Johnnie, and Raymond Massey as their father. It's a great way to see how the young Burton does Shakespeare. E. Booth was the first great American stage star and the Booth Theatre on W45th in NYC is named for him. He also founded The Players Club on Gramercy Park, where he lived.

[eslubin]

@skippyd89 How was he the first great stage star?

[redsoxdieheart05]

im related to him

[redsoxdieheart05]

@redsoxdieheart05 why was my comment marked as spam i just wanted to share this

[TheHachmom]

So glad you posted this where more people will find it....the first time i heard this recording i was moved, that someone dead nearly 100 years at the time could be heard again seemed like such a gift

[cazm94]

his acting was known to be unique for that time- he was more quiet, thoughtful and reserved (better for roles like hamlet) while many other prominant actors of that time were louder and more flamboyant in their delivery (for roles such as richard 3rd)...i guess that explains why his speaking style sounds very natural instead of 'song-like'

[ashleydemiselenafan2]

I just read a biography on him and John. I really liked it, and it said he had recordings. When I found this, I screamed. I am so glad you posted this! xD

[marcsiciliani]

I love this man and his talent that he brought to the world and the American Stage from 1833 to 1893 EDWIN BOOTH ruled the stage as did his Father and Brother John....I have read many books....Read "The Mad Booth of Maryland" By Stanley Kimmel hard to find but not imposible $80 worth it....

[ashleydemiselenafan2]

I know, right? And thanks, I'll look for it. Do you have any other suggestions?

[DrinkWater22]

Can you tell me the name of the book? And I heard a slightly better quality of this recording on itunes. :)

[ashleydemiselenafan2]

Good Brother Bad Brother; The Story of John Wilkes Booth and Edwin Booth.

I'll check iTunes now, then!

[123writerlady]

Excellent and thank you.

Edwin Booth was appearing in Hamlet and shortly after Lincoln's assasination, he knew the audience was hostile.

He chose to be seen immediately upon the curtain rising and his courage so impressed the audience, that they gave him a very long standing ovation.

Remarkable man, really.

[DrinkWater22]

I notice his speaking style is very natural. Do you know if he's like this on stage, or just because he's doing a reading? Usually Shakespeare actors peform in a song-like verse, so this would have made Booth very unusual.

[FansFiltration]

Edwin Booth, The Booth that SAVED a Lincoln!

It should be said that this recording came from an old style wax cylinder, and that is why the sound is bad.

[vinylsingleman]

Well, since he died in 1893 and sound recording was then only a few years old, you can't expect anything better.

[DrinkWater22]

This actually sounds very good for 1893. I can almost hear the words clearly.

[ashleydemiselenafan2]

I just read that he saved a Lincoln-pretty ironic, isn't it?