This early work by Alexander Woollcott was originally published in 1922 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. 'Shouts and Murmurs: Echoes of a Thousand and One First Nights' is one of his works on the intricacies of professional theatre. Alexander Humpfreys Woollcott was born in Colts Neck Township, New Jersey, in January 1887. Raised on the site of a former commune, Woollcott spent much of his early life surrounded by his extended family who were great lovers of literature. This inspired the young Alexander to develop a passion for reading that lasted throughout his life. At the age of 22 he became a cub reporter at the prestigious New York Times and by 1914 he worked his way up to being drama critic, a post he held until 1922. He was a prolific and controversial drama critic, dividing opinion amongst New York's artistic community with his caustic wit, for which he ended up being banned from reviewing certain Broadway shows.