The Traveling Chautauqua

<p> Before radio and sound movies early 20th century performers and lecturers traveled the nation providing entertainment and education to Americans thirsty for culture. These chautauquas brought politicians activists scholars musical ensembles and theatrical productions to remote communities. A conduit for global perspectives and progressive ideas these gatherings introduced issues like equal suffrage prohibition and pure food laws to rural America.</p><p> This book explores an overlooked yet influential movement in U.S. history capturing the vagaries of speakers' and performers' lives on the road and their reception by audiences. Excerpts from lectures and plays portray a vibrant circuit that in a single summer drew 20 million in more than 9000 towns.</p>