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The article discusses the role that the American business owner J.H. “Jack” Haverly played in managing and developing blackface minstrel shows in the U.S. during the late 19th century and early 20th century. An overview of Haverly's advertisements and marketing efforts for the minstrel shows is provided.

The article discusses the history of spiritualism as a form of entertainment in nineteenth century Great Britain and the United States. In particular, the author highlights the spread of spiritualism through theatrical performances and cultural marketing and its similarities with the spread of Victorian mass culture more broadly. Issues considered include celebrity mediums, private seances for the communication with the dead, and the use of media controversy as an advertising tool, for example in the case of the Fox Sisters performance troupe.