Description
Even as Eva Le Gallienne’s technique to Eleonora Duse is reverent, it is usually scholarly, stylishly written, and making an allowance for her personal debt to Duse, remarkably objective. She disposes of the hard-dying myth that the nice Italian actress played simply at the inspiration of the instant. Miss Le Gallienne’s thesis is that Duse’s artistic triumphs resulted from her victories over herself, triumphs of character achieved through intellectual and non secular struggle. In improve of her title Miss Le Gallienne adduces evidence of Duse’s long and earnest study of the writings of mystics and philosophers. This book is thoughtful, sensible, candid and literate. Miss Le Gallienne’s own memories provide an interesting glimpse into both herself and the tired, fading great actress whom she adored.