The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield

A biographical study follows the life and career of a celebrated early-eighteenth-century actress, recounting her modest origins, entry to the stage, and ascent to prominence at major theatres. It profiles her signature comic and tragic roles, interactions with managers and fellow performers, and episodes of theatrical intrigue and managerial conflict. The narrative explores aspects of her public persona and private life, documents the shifting fashions and morals of the period's theatre, and concludes with the waning of her popularity; portraits and an appendix supplement the account.