John A. Stone play

Collection

Identifier: MS 0395

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The John A. Stone papers (1828) consist of a five-act play (fourth act is not held in our collection) by Stone (1801-1834), entitled Metamora, the Last of the Wampanoags: An Indian Tragedy in Five Acts. The play presents a history of Metamora, a ficticious king of the Wampanoag Indians. Apparently, it is considered one of the most important "lost" plays of American drama. The manuscript was found by George D. Pyper, manager of the Salt Lake Theater from 1898 to 1928.

Stone wrote Metamora as part of a competion created by Edwin Forrest, who offered a monetary prize for the winner. William Cullen Bryant headed a committee which chose Stone's play as the best of 14 submitted. The play, first produced in 1829.

Dates

1828
1939

Creator

Stone, John Augustus, 1800-1834 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

The original item has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used. Photocopies are available in the collection for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

John Augustus Stone was an American dramatist and playwright. He was born in Concord Massachusetts in 1801. He died in Pennsylvania in 1834.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (1 folder and 2 microfilm reels)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The John A. Stone papers (1828) consist of a five-act play (fourth act missing) by Stone (1801-1834), entitled Metamora, the Last of the Wampanoags: An Indian Tragedy in Five Acts. The play presents a history of Metamora, a ficticious king of the Wampanoag Indians.