Lydia Thompson

"This is a thorough biography, chronicling the life of an important though somewhat neglected figure and rich in data. It introduces valuable information about Thompson as well as a wealth of primary source material." -- Elizabeth Reitz Mullenix, Theatre Journal

"The strength of this book is its detailed performance history, a history that makes clear that Thompson--far less "blonde" then [sic] she appears in legend--was no minor actress either before she crossed the Atlantic or after her American success." -- Elizabeth Reitz Mullenix, Theatre Journal

"Thompson's story is told most completely here and might certainly compel the undergraduate student and theatre aficionado." -- Elizabeth Reitz Mullenix, Theatre Journal

"An atmosphere of empathy and admiration penetrates Ganzl's depiction of this actress's career, from her boomtown days in a touring burlesque company ("British Blondes") to her last performance as Duchess of Albuquerque in Ruy Blas's A Queen's Romance." -- American Theater