Wit, Eloquence and Commerce is a comprehensive history of the Mercury Theatre; a book for those interested in New Zealand's theatre history, and for those who remember the Mercury and value the legacy of its professional company. While it recalls plays and operas, directors and performers, the special focus of Wit, Eloquence and Commerce is on what was done to sustain the theatre in a changing economic, social and political environment. Wit, Eloquence and Commerce is a comprehensive history of the Mercury Theatre; a book for those interested in New Zealand's theatre history, and for those who remember the Mercury and value the legacy of its professional company. While it recalls plays and operas, directors and performers, the special focus of Wit, Eloquence and Commerce is on what was done to sustain the theatre in a changing economic, social and political environment.This book is a great aid for those involved in or studying arts management and administration.

Few books have been written on the performing arts in New Zealand, and too little attention has been given to the special problems they have and still face.

Author Nicholas Tarling, who has also written On and Off: Opera in Auckland, 1970-2000, was for many years a Professor of History, and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at The University of Auckland (1972-74, 1977-92). As a former member of the Mercury Board (1978-92), Nicholas has tried to maintain the objectivity of a historian while contributing the perceptions of a participant.

Wit, Eloquence and Commerce was produced as a non-profit publication by Connacht Books, a business run by Gerard Reid, son of the late John C. Reid, founder/chairman of the Mercury Theatre.

To purchase a copy of Wit, Eloquence and Commerce, contact sam@eganreid.co.nz.

12/10/07