JWB and Fame

[BettyO]

(07-12-2012 07:54 AM)Gene C Wrote:  After reading "My Thoughts Be Bloody", I would say that JWB's "lust for fame" played a major part in his thinking and actions on and off the stage. Nora Titone did a good job of telling you about the family. I do not remember her having much good to say about John. His father was a real piece of work too! Alcoholism seems to be a key factor in damaging this whole family. Any idea how prevalent alcholism was during this time period?

I agree, Gene. Titone's book is a good one; especially in looking at John Wilkes' possible problems....granted he probably did have some psychological damage, I think, due to the implications of his father's bigamy as well his and his siblings' illegitimacy, which carried a social stigma in the Victorian era. Yes there was a strong history of drinking problems within the Booth family and it has now been somewhat determined that a tendency towards alcoholism is genetic.

Alcoholism was prevalent in the 19th Century - much akin to what drug use is today. Yes, drug use was also active in the Victorian era as well - but it was misunderstood. The Sons of Temperance (where the term SOT derived from!) as well as other temperance societies were very much in evidence. Anyone could get a drink - even children. There were no laws enforced. The church (particularly during the reformation period of the Great Awakening and the Second Great Awakening) was extremely active in the attempt to deter alcoholism and promote alcohol reform.