Backstage at the Lincoln Assassination

[LincolnMan]

I was listening again to the audiobook. There are so many nuggets in it! Here's one:
Edwin Booth and Boston Corbett meet years after the assassination (Corbett is seeking tickets).
How bizarre is that? Corbett introduces himself as the one who killed his brother!
So Edwin (who saved Robert Todd Lincoln) and is the brother of the assassin of Abraham Lincoln meet Corbett (the killer of JWB) avenging the murder of Abraham Lincoln. As Johnny Carson used to quip: "Weird stuff!"

[LincolnMan]

Another bizarre moment as described in book is the passing around Booth's severed head among several family members and orhers who were present prior to the final burial of his remains.

[RJNorton]

(06-01-2015 01:50 PM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Another bizarre moment as described in book is the passing around Booth's severed head among several family members and orhers who were present prior to the final burial of his remains.

Quoting from The Great American Myth by George S. Bryan:

"The detached head, Foard (a newspaperman) said, was passed around and looked upon - in somewhat the fashion that John, as Hamlet, might have looked upon Yorick's skull."

[LincolnMan]

Nice reference Roger.

[Tom Bogar]

Glad I was able to dig up some fun stuff for you, Bill!

[LincolnMan]

Tom: your book is amazing- it got better and better as it went. It struck me how Booth's act impacted so many lives- mostly in negative ways. There is a thread of sadness in so many of the lives of those "backstage."

[RJNorton]

(08-06-2015 01:17 PM)Rosieo Wrote:  This book is absolutely wonderful!

I especially admire the writing in Chapter 7 regarding everyone’s whereabouts at The Moment: it is so simple and so dramatic!

Along with being a great writer, Mr. Bogar delivers engaging, educational, and fun book talks on YouTube and Cspan.

Rosemary, I second you. I also own another book by Tom entitled American Presidents Attend the Theatre, and I would recommend that as well. Vicki and I have been fortunate enough to have had two lunches with Tom and his wife, Gail. Truly wonderful folks.

[L Verge]

I wholeheartedly agree, both with the books and with Tom and Gail. Backstage is so much like Manhunt in being just plain COMFORTABLE to read. Tom and Gail are also comfortable to be around and so willing to share - unlike some who seem to outgrow their britches when they become a published author (and I am not referring to anyone on this forum with that last statement).

[Jim Garrett]

I was very fortunate to enjoy a wonderful dinner this past spring with Tom, Terry Alford and their wonderful spouses. I believe a great time was had by all and the Bogars and Alfords are absolutely wonderful dinner companions. To dine in the family home of JWB with these two great authorities was an exceptional experience. A great thank you has to go out to Tom Fink of the Junius Brutus Booth Society for a wonderful intimate dinner and great conference this past spring.

[Eva Elisabeth]

(08-06-2015 02:27 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(08-06-2015 01:17 PM)Rosieo Wrote:  This book is absolutely wonderful!

I especially admire the writing in Chapter 7 regarding everyone’s whereabouts at The Moment: it is so simple and so dramatic!

Along with being a great writer, Mr. Bogar delivers engaging, educational, and fun book talks on YouTube and Cspan.

Rosemary, I second you. I also own another book by Tom entitled American Presidents Attend the Theatre, and I would recommend that as well. Vicki and I have been fortunate enough to have had two lunches with Tom and his wife, Gail. Truly wonderful folks.

I can't agree more on all Roger said!!!!! (Love "American Presidents Attend the Theater"!!! What unique information and great research!!! Like "Backstage..."!) As for "Backstage" - of the three "Lincoln" audiobooks I have (the others being "Team of Rivals" and Donald's bio) which I all love as books, "Backstage" is by far the most enjoyable also to listen to!
And I was honored with Tom being my personal guide at Ford's - eternally treasured memories!

[LincolnMan]

I was in the Redford, Michigan library yesterday and was pleased to see Tom's book there- lookin well used. Redford is a suburb of Detroit.

[Gene C]

Just starting reading this, very interesting and enjoyable to read, I've only read about 30 pages.

On the bottom of p11, speaking about John Ford
"In short order he was elected to the Baltimore City Council (on the nativist American or 'Know Nothing' party ticket), then as its president, becoming acting mayor for two years."

I found that interesting, but I couldn't find John Ford listed as a Mayor of Baltimore on the Wikipedia or this list
http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/speccol/sc26...ayors.html

so, when was John Ford acting mayor and who was he acting for?

That would be a good trivia question except I don't know the answer.

[RJNorton]

Gene, I don't know either. I did find this:

"In 1871, Mr. Ford was elected to the Second Branch of the City Council, and in 1874 was again elected to the First Branch. While president of the First Branch of the City Council, Mr. Ford frequently acted as mayor ex officio, and sometimes filled the position for several months at a time with marked ability and to the general satisfaction."

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/jo...-ahc.shtml

[HerbS]

Do you think Mr.Ford was involved in the conspiracy?

[Gene C]

I personally don't. If he was, he wouldn't have had it happen in his theater.
That was bad for business. On the other hand, if the government hadn't shut him down, it might have been good for business.