The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield By: Edward Robins (1862-1943)
The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield by Edward Robins is an engaging historical novel that takes readers on a journey through 18th-century London and the acting career of Nance Oldfield. The author skillfully combines facts with fiction, bringing to life the vibrant atmosphere of the theater scene during that era. Robins showcases his extensive research and knowledge of the time period, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of London's bustling streets, theaters, and the colorful characters that inhabited them. The attention to detail is impressive, as the author captures the nuances of dress, manners, and social interactions, immersing readers in the world of Georgian London. Central to the story is the character of Nance Oldfield, a real-life renowned actress known for her talent and beauty. Robins crafts her character with depth and complexity, allowing readers to witness her rise to fame, the challenges she faces, and her personal struggles. Nance's determination and resilience make her a relatable and inspiring protagonist, someone readers can root for throughout the narrative. The author's writing style is elegant and fluid, with a blend of humor and seriousness that strikes a perfect balance. Robins effortlessly transports readers to the theater with descriptions that are vivid and captivating. He captures the excitement and energy of the performances, making the readers feel as if they are sitting in the audience, witnessing the magic unfold on stage. One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is Robins' exploration of the societal expectations and constraints placed upon women during that time. He delves into the challenges faced by women in the acting profession, particularly their struggle to maintain both their professional and personal lives. Through Nance's character, the author sheds light on the limited choices available to women, as well as the obstacles they had to overcome to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Although the pace of the story can sometimes feel slower, given the detailed descriptions and historical context, this allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Robins has created. The richly drawn characters and the engaging plot keep readers invested, even during the more leisurely moments. Ultimately, The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield is an enthralling novel that combines history, drama, and compelling characters to create a memorable reading experience. Edward Robins' passion for the time period shines through in every page, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and theater enthusiasts alike. First Page: THE PALMY DAYS OF NANCE OLDFIELD BY EDWARD ROBINS WITH PORTRAITS 1898 [Illustration: Mrs. Oldfield the celebrated Comedian] CONTENTS I. FROM TAVERN TO THEATRE II. AN ENTRE ACTE III. A BELLE OF METTLE IV. MANAGERIAL WICKEDNESS V. A DEAD HERO VI. IN TRAGIC PATHS VII. NANCE AT HOME VIII. THE MIMIC WORLD IX. "GRIEF À LA MODE" X. THE BARTON BOOTHS XI. THE FADING OF A STAR APPENDIX PORTRAITS Frontispiece: Mrs. Anne Oldfield Title page: Mrs. Oldfield in the Character of Fair Rosamond Colley Cibber in the Character of Sir Novelty Fashion Robert Wilks William Congreve Mrs. Anne Bracegirdle Mrs. Bracegirdle as the "Sultaness" Joseph Addison Mrs. Anne Oldfield Mr. Mills, Mrs. Porter, Mr. Cibber Sir John Vanbrugh Sir Richard Steele Barton Booth THE PALMY DAYS OF NANCE OLDFIELD CHAPTER I FROM TAVERN TO THEATRE "Out of question, you were born in a merry hour," says Don Pedro to the blithesome heroine of "Much Ado About Nothing." "No, sure, my lord," answers Beatrice. "My mother cried; but then there was a star danced, and under that was I born." Surely a star, possibly Venus, must have danced gaily on a certain night in the year of grace 1683, when the wife of Captain Oldfield, gentleman by birth and Royal Guardsman by profession, brought into the busy, unfeeling world of London a pretty mite of a girl... Continue reading book >>

The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield By: Edward Robins (1862-1943)

The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield by Edward Robins is an engaging historical novel that takes readers on a journey through 18th-century London and the acting career of Nance Oldfield. The author skillfully combines facts with fiction, bringing to life the vibrant atmosphere of the theater scene during that era.

Robins showcases his extensive research and knowledge of the time period, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of London's bustling streets, theaters, and the colorful characters that inhabited them. The attention to detail is impressive, as the author captures the nuances of dress, manners, and social interactions, immersing readers in the world of Georgian London.

Central to the story is the character of Nance Oldfield, a real-life renowned actress known for her talent and beauty. Robins crafts her character with depth and complexity, allowing readers to witness her rise to fame, the challenges she faces, and her personal struggles. Nance's determination and resilience make her a relatable and inspiring protagonist, someone readers can root for throughout the narrative.

The author's writing style is elegant and fluid, with a blend of humor and seriousness that strikes a perfect balance. Robins effortlessly transports readers to the theater with descriptions that are vivid and captivating. He captures the excitement and energy of the performances, making the readers feel as if they are sitting in the audience, witnessing the magic unfold on stage.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is Robins' exploration of the societal expectations and constraints placed upon women during that time. He delves into the challenges faced by women in the acting profession, particularly their struggle to maintain both their professional and personal lives. Through Nance's character, the author sheds light on the limited choices available to women, as well as the obstacles they had to overcome to succeed in a male-dominated industry.

Although the pace of the story can sometimes feel slower, given the detailed descriptions and historical context, this allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Robins has created. The richly drawn characters and the engaging plot keep readers invested, even during the more leisurely moments.

Ultimately, The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield is an enthralling novel that combines history, drama, and compelling characters to create a memorable reading experience. Edward Robins' passion for the time period shines through in every page, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and theater enthusiasts alike.

First Page:

THE PALMY DAYS OF NANCE OLDFIELD

EDWARD ROBINS

WITH PORTRAITS

1898

[Illustration: Mrs. Oldfield the celebrated Comedian]

CONTENTS

I. FROM TAVERN TO THEATRE II. AN ENTRE ACTE III. A BELLE OF METTLE IV. MANAGERIAL WICKEDNESS V. A DEAD HERO VI. IN TRAGIC PATHS VII. NANCE AT HOME VIII. THE MIMIC WORLD IX. "GRIEF À LA MODE" X. THE BARTON BOOTHS XI. THE FADING OF A STAR APPENDIX

PORTRAITS

Frontispiece: Mrs. Anne Oldfield

Title page: Mrs. Oldfield in the Character of Fair Rosamond

Colley Cibber in the Character of Sir Novelty Fashion

Robert Wilks

William Congreve

Mrs. Anne Bracegirdle

Mrs. Bracegirdle as the "Sultaness"

Joseph Addison

Mrs. Anne Oldfield

Mr. Mills, Mrs. Porter, Mr. Cibber

Sir John Vanbrugh

Sir Richard Steele

Barton Booth

THE PALMY DAYS OF NANCE OLDFIELD

CHAPTER I

FROM TAVERN TO THEATRE

"Out of question, you were born in a merry hour," says Don Pedro to the blithesome heroine of "Much Ado About Nothing."

"No, sure, my lord," answers Beatrice. "My mother cried; but then there was a star danced, and under that was I born."

Surely a star, possibly Venus, must have danced gaily on a certain night in the year of grace 1683, when the wife of Captain Oldfield, gentleman by birth and Royal Guardsman by profession, brought into the busy, unfeeling world of London a pretty mite of a girl... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield

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