This volume profiles some 40 American theaters constructed in the 19th century that are still in operation today. In the course of their research, architectural historian Naylor and arts activist Dillon (League of Historic American Theaters) visited a wide variety of venues, including town hall opera houses, Chautauqua auditoriums, Victorian playhouses, and grand concert halls. The text is accompanied by historical and recent photographs in b&w and color. Included in the appendix are lists of more than 250 19th-century theaters arranged geographically and chronologically. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)