Preserving All Others: A New One-Act Play About Isaiah Thomas.

This play was commissioned by the American Antiquarian Society to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Isaiah Thomas (1749-1831), patriot and founder of the Society. Thomas was the foremost printer, publisher, and bookseller of the generation that came of age during the Revolution. Preserving All Others is an interpretation of what may have happened on November 10, 1820, when Thomas write in his diary, 'Began to make a new will assisted by E. D. Bangs Esq. Several Changes in my affairs rendering it necessary.' Wherever possible, Thomas's own language has been retained, and all of the dialogue has been written to provide insight into the character of this remarkable man and to the uniquely American institution he founded.