Reviews
'A densely detailed, consistently readable account of the Harlem Renaissance...Krasner's aim is far broader than a period of history in theatre, he deftly concentrates on 'specific events in order to sketch a larger picture' and alters people's way of thinking about the Harlem Renaissance.' - Publishers Weekley 'Krasner's arguments are persuasive and engaging.' - D.B. Wilmeth, Choice 'Densely detailed, consistently readable ... succinct and neatly incorporated background sketches along with intelligible and accessible references to theorists enrich the finer details.' - Publishers Weekly 'A timely, lively, essential book that advances African American performance studies while specifically bringing theatre, performance and drama into focus in the glory years of the Harlem Renaissance.' - Robert B Stepto, Yale University 'Breezy, witty,and intelligent look at a decade that brought us such memorable and groundbreaking shows.' - Library Journal, "Krasner's arguments are persuasive and engaging."--D.B. Wilmeth,Choice "A Beautiful Pageantis a timely, lively, essential book that advances African American performance studies while specifically bringing theatre, performance, and drama into focus in the glory years of the Harlem Renaissance. In ranging from the plays of Hurston and Grimke and Gilpin's performances in Emperor Jones to musicals, Garvey parades, Star of Ethiopia pageants, dance, and sporting events such as the epic Johnson-Jefferies prize fight, Krasner's discussion gorgeously broadens our conception of African American performativity.A Beautiful Pageantis a book that everyone engaged in performance studies, theatre history, African American Studies, and American Studies has been waiting for. This book already has me rethinking my courses and lectures."--Robert B. Stepto, Yale University, "Krasner's arguments are persuasive and engaging."--D.B. Wilmeth, Choice "A Beautiful Pageant is a timely, lively, essential book that advances African American performance studies while specifically bringing theatre, performance, and drama into focus in the glory years of the Harlem Renaissance. In ranging from the plays of Hurston and Grimke and Gilpin's performances in Emperor Jones to musicals, Garvey parades, Star of Ethiopia pageants, dance, and sporting events such as the epic Johnson-Jefferies prize fight, Krasner's discussion gorgeously broadens our conception of African American performativity. A Beautiful Pageant is a book that everyone engaged in performance studies, theatre history, African American Studies, and American Studies has been waiting for. This book already has me rethinking my courses and lectures."--Robert B. Stepto, Yale University, "Krasner's arguments are persuasive and engaging."--D.B. Wilmeth, Choice "A Beautiful Pageant is a timely, lively, essential book that advances African American performance studies while specifically bringing theatre, performance, and drama into focus in the glory years of the Harlem Renaissance. In ranging from the plays of Hurston and Grimke and Gilpin's performances in Emperor Jones to musicals, Garvey parades, Star of Ethiopia pageants, dance, and sporting events such as the epic Johnson-Jefferies prize fight, Krasner's discussion gorgeously broadens our conception of African American performativity. A Beautiful Pageant is a book that everyone engaged in performance studies, theatre history, African American Studies, and American Studies has been waiting for. This book already has me rethinking my courses and lectures." - -Robert B. Stepto, Yale University
