Everyone knows the story of John Wilkes Booth and Abraham Lincoln. Generally, we know that Booth was from a famous acting family. This engaging book explains more about the Booth family and what happened to the Booths after the assassination in 1865.
Junius Brutus Booth was a widely-known tragedian actor in Shakespearean plays. Three of his sons followed him into acting. In 1859, John Wilkes was in a play in Richmond, Va., when he heard (from some soldiers) that an abolitionist would be hanged. Because Booth wanted to see what it was like to be a soldier, he asked the troops if he could join them, and they agreed. Donning a Richmond Gray's uniform and boarding the train, Booth witnessed John Brown's execution.
Edwin Booth was not amused when he heard of John's play-soldering prank. There was rivalry between the three sons. Edwin, who considered himself a Northerner, decided to tour Northern cities. John Wilkes, who thought himself a Southerner, would work in the theatres in the South. The eldest of the Booths, Junius Brutus Booth Jr., had moved to California during the Gold Rush. He acted in the western section of the country. Thus, the three brothers stayed out of each other's way. Each son thought he personified the perfection of his father's acting skills.
There is considerably more to the family conflicts explained in this book, but I will skip to the aftermath of the death of Abraham Lincoln. John Wilkes expected the newspapers to laud his actions. Instead, he was shocked when he was vilified. People at the play in Ford's Theatre had recognized John Wilkes, so there was no doubt about who murdered Lincoln.
Edwin Booth's career ended after the assassination because theater owners feared their patrons' anger and canceled Edwin's performances. Then, he started to receive death threats. Edwin became depressed and lost his fiancee'. Later, he resumed acting, partly by buying three theaters (with his brother-in-law). In 1879, Edwin survived an assassination attempt.
John Ford, the owner of the theatre where Lincoln died, was imprisoned for 40 days while they investigated whether Ford aided in the murder. Five days after the assassination, an incredible $100,000 reward was offered for Booth and two of his confederates.
I'd never considered that there was collateral damage to the Booth family because of John's actions. This book explains how the assassination damaged the reputations and livelihoods of the Booth family. Even though they were not privy to John Wilkes' plans, they paid a heavy price for their brother's actions.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Popular titles by this author
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the brand
-
-
Our goal at Capstone is to provide boundless opportunities for children to access books and online resources. We are dedicated to the belief that all kids are readers when matched with the right book.
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
