First edition. With a lengthy inscriprion signed by the author Thoda Cocroft to the actor William Gaxton, one of the subjects of the book who is first mentioned on page 83.

"--not cinema theatre, nor summer theatre, nor tributary theatre but legitimate theatre--the simplicity of Helen Hayes, the eloquence of Margaret Anglin, the silken purr of Lynn Fontanne, the courage of Katharine Hepburn, the magic pace of Mrs. Fiske, the genius of Eleonora Duse--great contributions of yesterday and today which meet needs of tomorrow." -- From the title page.

THEATER; STAGE; THODA COCROFT; GREAT NAMES; INSCRIBED; SIGNED; AUTOGRAPH; PRESENTATION COPY; WILLIAM GAXTON; THEATRE; FIRST EDITION; 1ST EDITION; VIVIEN LEIGH; MARGARET ANGLIN; LILLIAN GISH; ELEONORA DUSE; KATHARINE HEPBURN; WALTER HOUSTON; HELEN HAY