Legendary actresses of the past are brought front & center in this lively, entertaining book. From the Victorian era of the 1800s through the turn-of-the-century, famous stars like Lillian Russell, Sarah Bernhardt, Maude Adams, & Lillie Langtry provided the real glitz & glitter of yesterday's stage. Their careers revolved around New York, which was recognized as the theatrical capital of America. Its flashy variety houses, elegant theaters, & sophisticated audiences were a large draw. In the East, however, ladies of the stage were considered, by many women, to be immoral or "sinful". Society matrons would stand in line for hours to see an actress perform, but rarely invited her to enter their homes. In the frontier towns & cities of the West, though, these talented artists were received with friendliness & respect...& while playing the West, the actresses not only entertained their audiences-- they charmed them! "Women Who Charmed the West" is well written, professionally designed, & illustrated with elegant photographs. The author in a highly accessible way, successfully re-opens the lives of these remarkable women. With lively stories, she allows the famous actresses of yesterday to stroll once more across the stage of time.