"It is a truth universally acknowledged that the English actor is a breed apart. In this whirlwind tour through centuries of the English stage, esteemed historian and prolific author Ackroyd explains its whys and wherefores. From the early mystery and miracle plays to Shakespeare, the Restoration, the Victorian era, and forward to the present day, the story of the English stage and those who trod and tread its boards is engagingly told with remarkable clarity and wit. Far from a dry recitation of facts and dates, Ackroyd presents a lively production with a cast of characters representing several generations of English theater artists. . . . Suggestions for further reading top off this compelling blend of biography and history that should be required reading for anyone claiming to be a theater fan, Anglophile, or aspiring actor."– "Booklist"