DRAMAABAA
The Thespian Dictionary; or Dramatic Biography of the Present Age; Containing Sketches of the Lives Lists of the Productions Various Merits &c. &c. of all the Principal Dramatists Composers Commentators Managers Actors and Actresses of the United Kingdom: Interspersed with Numerous Original Anecdotes Forming a Complete Modern History of the English Stage
18051002594London: James Cundee 1805. Second edition expanded and extra-illustrated of this alphabetical pocket guide to the eighteenth-century English stage first published in 1802. The great figures of the era are all represented: David Garrick Sarah Siddons John Kemble Peg Woffington John Gay Oliver Goldsmith Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Lesser-known characters appear as well like the mad Mrs. Vanbruggen who crashed a London performance of Hamlet: "She was in truth Ophelia herself to the amazement of the performers as well as the audience." Extensively extra-illustrated featuring eighteen inserted portraits in addition to the twenty-two "elegant engravings" promised on the title page. A unique copy of a fascinating book. Twelvemo measuring 6.75 x 4 inches: iv 396. Contemporary full tree calf Greek key borders to boards spine ruled and decorated in gilt red morocco spine label lettered in gilt gilt dentelles marbled endpapers all edges stained yellow. Engraved pictorial title page before letterpress title 38 engraved plates one engraving "David Garrick" printed on page iv. Addenda and publisher's advertisements at rear. Early owner signature to front flyleaf; "twenty-two" in "twenty-two elegant engravings" crossed out on the title page and replaced with the manuscript numeral "40;" manuscript correction to the entry for Robert William Elliston. Joints and corners rubbed two gouges to lower board. James Cundee unknown books
Honey & Wax Booksellers · États-Unis1 000,00 $US≈ 846,10 €
