Katherine K. Preston leads the reader on an operatic tour of pre-Civil War America in this cultural study of what was, surprisingly, an almost ubiquitous art form. Her richly detailed examination of itinerant troupes covers orchestral and choral musicians as well as stars, impresarios, business methods, repertories, advertising techniques, itineraries, sizes of companies, and methods of travel.

Katherine K. Preston is a professor emerita of music at the College of William & Mary. Her books include Opera for the People: English-Language Opera and Women Managers in Late 19th-Century America.