“One of the bloodiest incidents in New York’s history, the so-called Astor Place riot of May 10, 1849, was ignited by a long-simmering grudge between the two leading Shakespearean actors of the age, [William Macready and Edwin Forrest]…. The Shakespeare Riots recounts the story of this momentous night, its two larger-than-life protagonists, and the myriad of political and cultural currents that fueled the violence…. Nigel Cliff weaves a spellbinding saga of soaring passions, huge egos, and venal corruption.”
–Adapted from editor’s remarks on The Shakespeare Riots