A cast of one: an actor's dream - or an actor's nightmare? An exploration of the one-person show, from its disreputable origins in 18th century England to Ruth Draper's monologues and the development of such popular shows as Julie Harris' The Belle of Amherst, John Gielgud's Ages of Man, Hal Holbrook's Mark Twain Tonight! and Spalding Gray's outlandish Swimming to Cambodia. Includes introduction by Julie Harris, interviews with actress Pat Carroll and playwright William Luce, rare photos, appendix of shows, bibliography, index.