Lyman Howe was a travelling showman that originally started with 'phonograph concerts' and then switched to films when he was able to obtain a projector. He originally was a one-person operation, but at his company's height he had several groups of people touring the eastern half of the United States exhibiting films. At first he showed films any place that he could book. With the rise of the nickelodeon, he began to specialize in 'educational' and news film shows at churches, YMCAs, and civic centers. His shows featured sound effects, music, and color tinting whenever possible. He also began to produce a few films himself.

This book is an interesting look at the struggles and triumphs of an independent showman. It is very well researched. However, the exhibition side of the business is not quite as engrossing of a story as the production side. This book is also expensive. If you are not really interested in the exhibition side of the movie business it may not be worth the money you spent on it.