John wanted to be an illustrator, and Shulman, thanks to digitized periodical archives, unearthed many examples of his work. Shulman thinks Barrymore absorbed the teachings of Konstantin Stanislavski, probably by rumor more than reading or hands on experience. Shulman is focused more on Barrymore’s troubled life than his film roles. Shulman draws no conclusions and offers no theories as he presents a detailed picture of a life. Barrymore: The Spectacular, Tumultuous Life of America’s Prince of Players is published by University Press of Kentucky.