[ebooks] Readings in Planning Theory by From Wiley-Blackwell in Arts-Photography

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It was the measure of Shakespeares poetic greatness; an early commentator remarked; that he thoroughly blended the ideal with the practical or realistic. "If this be so;" Walt Whitman wrote; "I should say that what Shakespeare did in poetic expression; Abraham Lincoln essentially did in his personal and official life."Whitman was only one of many to note the affinity between these two iconic figures. Novelists; filmmakers; and playwrights have frequently shown Lincoln quoting Shakespeare. In Lincoln and Shakespeare; Michael Anderegg for the first time examines in detail Lincolns fascination with and knowledge of Shakespeares plays. Separated by centuries and extraordinary circumstances; the two men clearly shared a belief in the power of language and both at times held a fatalistic view of human nature. While citations from Shakespeare are few in his writings and speeches; Lincoln read deeply and quoted often from the Bards work in company; a habit well documented in diaries; letters; and newspapers. Anderegg discusses Lincolns particular interest in Macbeth and Hamlet and in Shakespearersquo;s historical plays; where we see themes that resonated deeply with the presidentmdash;the dangers of inordinate ambition; the horrors of civil war; and the corruptions of illegitimate rule.Anderegg winnows confirmed evidence from myth to explore how Lincoln came to know Shakespeare; which editions he read; and which plays he would have seen before he became president. Once in the White House; Lincoln had the opportunity of seeing the best Shakespearean actors in America. Anderegg details Lincolns unexpected relationship with James H. Hackett; one of the most popular comic actors in America at the time: his letter to Hackett reveals his considerable enthusiasm for Shakespeare. Lincoln managed; in the midst of overwhelming matters of state; to see the actors Falstaff on several occasions and to engage with him in discussions of how Shakespeares plays should be performed; a topic on which he had decided views. Hacketts productions were only a few of those Lincoln enjoyed as president; and Anderegg documents his larger theater-going experience; recreating the Shakespearean performances of Edwin Booth; Charlotte Cushman; Edwin Forrest; and others; as Lincoln saw them.