George L. Aiken (December 19, 1830 â€" April 27, 1876) was a
nineteenth-century American playwright and actor who is best known for
writing the most popular of the numerous stage adaptations of Harriet
Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.Aiken was a writer of dime novels
before he turned to theatre. He became an actor in the troupe of his
cousin, George C. Howard. In 1852, shortly after the publication of
Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, Aiken wrote his stage adaptation. It was
performed by Howard's company, with Aiken playing the hero, George
Harris. The play became a spectacular success. His other works include
a dramatization of Ann S. Stephens' novel The Old Homestead. He
retired from the stage in 1867.Aiken's original manuscripts for Uncle
Tom's Cabin were passed down through the family along with other
memorabilia from Howard's company. The family placed the collection at
the Harry Ransom Center in 1963.
nineteenth-century American playwright and actor who is best known for
writing the most popular of the numerous stage adaptations of Harriet
Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.Aiken was a writer of dime novels
before he turned to theatre. He became an actor in the troupe of his
cousin, George C. Howard. In 1852, shortly after the publication of
Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, Aiken wrote his stage adaptation. It was
performed by Howard's company, with Aiken playing the hero, George
Harris. The play became a spectacular success. His other works include
a dramatization of Ann S. Stephens' novel The Old Homestead. He
retired from the stage in 1867.Aiken's original manuscripts for Uncle
Tom's Cabin were passed down through the family along with other
memorabilia from Howard's company. The family placed the collection at
the Harry Ransom Center in 1963.
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