In this first book-length biography of Mercedes de Acosta, theatre
historian Robert A. Schanke adroitly mines lost archival materials
and mixes in his own interviews with de Acosta's intimates to
correct established myths and at last construct an accurate,
detailed, and vibrant portrait of the flamboyantly uninhibited
early-twentieth-century author, poet, and playwright. Born to
wealthy Spanish immigrants, Mercedes de Acosta (1893-1968) lived in
opulence and traveled in the same social circles as the Astors and
Vanderbilts. Introduced to the New York theater scene at an early
age, her dual loves of performance and of women informed every
aspect of her life thereafter. Alice B. Toklas's observation, "Say
what you will about Mercedes, she's had the most important women in
the twentieth century," was well justified, as her romantic
conquests included such internationally renowned beauties as Greta
Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Isadora Duncan, and Eva Le Gallienne as
well as Alla Nazimova, Tamara Karsavina, Pola Negri, and Ona
Munson. More than a record of her personal life and infamous
romances, this account offers the first analysis of the complete
oeuvre of de Acosta's literary works, including three volumes of
poetry, two novels, two film scripts, and a dozen plays. Although
only two of her plays were ever published during her lifetime, four
of them were produced, featuring such stage luminaries as John
Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, and Eva Le Gallienne. Critics praised
her first volume of poetry, "Moods, "in 1919 and predicted her rise
to literary fame, but the love of other women that fueled her
writing also limited her opportunities to fulfill this destiny.
Failing to achieve any lastingfame, she died in relative poverty at
the age of seventy-five. De Acosta lived her desires publicly with
verve and vigor at a time when few others would dare, and for that,
she paid the price of marginalized obscurity. Until now. With
""That Furious Lesbian" "Schanke at last establishes Mercedes de
Acosta's rightful place as a pioneer--and indeed a champion--in the
early struggle for lesbian rights in this country. Robert A.
Schanke has edited a companion to this biography, "Women in
Turmoil: Six Plays by Mercedes de Acosta, "also available from
Southern Illinois University Press.
General
Imprint: |
Southern Illinois University Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Series: |
Theater in the Americas |
Release date: |
May 2004 |
First published: |
May 2004 |
Authors: |
Robert A. Schanke
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152 x 17mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
272 |
Edition: |
New Ed |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-8093-2579-5 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
0-8093-2579-9 |
Barcode: |
9780809325795 |
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