Auteur: George M. Baker

George Melville Baker (1832-1890) was an American playwright, publisher, and author known for his work in the dramatic arts during the late 19th century. He dabbled in a variety of literary forms, including dialogues, farces, and melodramas. A prolific writer, Baker”s impacts on the world of amateur theatricals are noteworthy. “An Old Man”s Prayer” is one of his more touching works, manifesting his capability to address sentimentality and moral themes. Baker”s scripts were characterized by their accessibility and were frequented by amateur groups for their simplified staging and relatable characters. His melodramas were especially popular, often reflecting the social norms and concerns of his time with a blend of pathos and humor. Throughout his career, Baker published more than 200 plays and a variety of books on elocution, indicating his passion for the spoken word and its power in performance. Though not as well known today, Baker”s contributions to the genre of amateur theater have rippled through generations, influencing the structure and style of community and educational theater. Baker”s works remain a testament to his literary talent and reflect an era where stage plays were a predominant form of entertainment for many Americans.