+ N Y Times p11 O 17 ’20 220w
MANTLE, BURNS, ed. Best plays of 1919–20, and the Year book of the drama in America. *$2 Small 822
20–21432
This volume marks the first appearance of a new annual which attempts to do for the professional drama what Mr Braithwaite’s anthology does for poetry and Mr O’Brien’s year book for the short story. Mr Mantle has selected ten of the successful plays from the New York season of 1919–20 and has presented them, partly in summary, partly in dialog. They are: Abraham Lincoln, by John Drinkwater; Beyond the horizon, by Eugene O’Neill: The famous Mrs Fair, by James Forbes; Declassee, by Zoe Aikins; Jane Clegg, by St John Ervine; The jest, by Sem Benelli; Wedding bells, by Salisbury Field; Mamma’s affair, by Rachel Barton Butler; Adam and Eva, by George Middleton and Guy Bolton; Clarence, by Booth Tarkington. The volume opens with “The season in review” by Mr Mantle and the year book at the close includes surveys of the season in London and in Paris, along with statistical summaries and other data relating to the stage.
“As to at least five of the ten, there will be general acquiescence in Mr Mantle’s choice, and as to the other five there will be general diversity of opinion.” Brander Matthews
+ N Y Times p4 Ja 30 ’21 360w
“Friends of the drama in America owe Mr Mantle a real debt of thanks.” Dorothy Grafly
+ − Springf’d Republican p5a Ja 30 ’21 400w
“Altogether a much-needed piece of work, and well done. If the next time Mr Mantle will include some account of the significant achievements in stage-craft, his year-book will prove even more valuable.”