Description
Susie Gilbert traces the development of ENO from its earliest origins in the darkest Victorian slums of the Cut, where it was conceived as a vehicle of social reform, through two world wars, and via Sadler's Wells to its great glory days at the Coliseum and beyond. Setting the company's artistic achievements within the wider context of social and political attitudes to the arts and the ever-changing theatrical style, Gilbert provides a vivid cultural history of this unique institution's 150 years. Inspired by the idealism of Lilian Baylis, the company has been based on the belief that opera in the vernacular can not only reach out to even the least privileged members of society but also create a potent and immediate communication with its audience.
With full access to ENO's archive, Gilbert has unearthed a rich range of material and held numerous interviews with a fascinating array of personalities, to weave an absorbing tale of life both in front and behind the scenes of ENO as it developed over the years.
A lively and authoritative history of England's oldest continuously performing arts company, the English National Opera.
About the Author
Susie Gilbert has worked for many years as an archival researcher and editor on numerous books of twentieth century history, including the official biography of Winston Churchill. Her previous book, A Tale of Four Houses, published in 2003, traced the history of Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera since 1945.
Awards
Short-listed for Theatre Book Prize 2009.
Book Information
ISBN 9780571224944
Author Susie Gilbert
Format Paperback
Page Count 736
Imprint Faber & Faber
Publisher Faber & Faber
Weight(grams) 930g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 154mm * 52mm
