The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield

"The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield" by Edward Robins is a historical biography that follows the life of Anne Oldfield, a famous actress from the 1700s, focusing on her impressive rise from a poor seamstress to a star on the English stage. It explores the exciting world of theater in her time, showing what society was like and how plays were changing in England, starting with her family's tough times after her father passed away, even though they had ties to royalty. Anne's love for the stage shines through as she wins over audiences early on with her performances at the Mitre Tavern, catching the attention of important people such as Captain Farquhar and Sir John Vanbrugh, who push her to pursue her dreams. The book highlights her captivating personality and smarts, paving the way for a story full of artistic growth and social drama as she navigates the challenging world of 18th-century theater.