The Shuberts of Broadway: A History Drawn from the Collections of the Shubert Archive by Brooks McNamara
The Shubert brothers - Sam, Lee and J.J. - were the leading American theatrical producers in the first half of the 20th century. Owning or controlling 104 theatres and with assets exceeding US $70 million, their empire was responsible for some of the greatest hits of the period, ranging from the operettas "Blossom Time" and "The Student Prince" to "La Belle Paree" with Al Jolson and "The Passing Shows", which featured George Jessel and Fred Astaire. However, relations between the brothers were not always cordial, and their dealings were ultimately the subject of a government inquiry. Drawing on the newly created Shubert Archive, this biography attempts to recreate the lives of the brothers who dominated New York's Broadway for five decades.