My Old Man. A Personal History of Music Hall by John Major

Nostalgic but well-researched look at the world of music hall entertainment, written by former Tory Prime Minister John Major and structured around the life and memories of his father Tom Major (1879-1962), who began performing on music hall stages in 1900. Beginning with the early 19th century origins of the music halls, Major goes on to trace the careers of performers such as Jenny Hill, Marie Lloyd, Lottie Collins, Vesta Tilley, Dan Leno, Harry Lauder and Bessie Bellwood, focussing especially on the period between 1890 and 1905 which he regards as the 'great years' of music hall entertainment. The book also discusses the wider cultural background, the variety of acts and styles, controversies about vulgarity and prostitution, the roles played by theatre managers and trade unions, and the factors that led to the demise of the music halls as the most popular form of entertainment.

Part of the Bill Douglas and Peter Jewell Collection