The Letters of Ruth Draper: Self-Portrait of an Actress, 1920 - 1956

Ruth Draper (1884–1956) was an internationally famous monologist who charmed audiences around the world with her "cast of characters" in some sixty sketches. Using no scenery, no props, and only an occasional shawl or other wrap over a simple dress, she was able to people the stage with a great variety of characters and move her audiences to laughter and tears.

Besides the dramatic gift, she had a gift for friendship and kept up a lively and diverse correspondence during her extensive travels. Her warmth and generosity, her unspoiled pleasure in her triumphant career, are reflected in these letters to friends and family; reading them is a rich and rewarding experience.

In addition to a discography of those monologues that were recorded, the book includes a selection of illustrations, a bibliography, and a detailed listing of all the pieces in Ruth Draper's repertoire.

Dorothy Warren, a fifth-generation New Yorker, graduated from Miss Spence's School in 1925 and grew up with many associations in Ruth Draper's world. After working in business and on various charitable projects, she has devoted her retirement to photography and biography.