Actor Sarah Bernhardt was a stage and cultural icon of the 19 ^th and early 20 ^th centuries; hers is a name still sometimes referenced in theater circles and beyond. A woman defined by a strong will and generous character, the fascinating Bernhardt was born and raised in France, the daughter of a courtesan in a society where this was not harshly judged. Bernhardt's talent was apparent by the time she was a young woman and she pursued a career on stage with intelligence and passion, while her compassionate off-stage endeavors included volunteering during the Franco-Prussian War. During the Dreyfus Affair, when anti-Semitism saw Alfred Dreyfus scapegoated in a military scandal with far-reaching societal implications, Bernhardt, of Jewish descent, staunchly defended Dreyfus, even at the expense of her relationship with her beloved only child. Following an injury late in life, Bernhardt lost a leg, but like all the challenges that had come before, she met it with fortitude, continuing to take charge of her career and perform. A visual as well as performing artist, Bernhardt's electric talent and drive are palpable in this account that includes occasional black-and-white photographs, and an author's note, timeline, sources, and bibliography.
(Age 12 and older)