Divorce

185 p. Oval portrait on title page. Two portrait text illustrations of Catharine N. Forrest and Edwin Forrest. Double column. Foxed. Early manuscript faded ownership of John Knox? on title page. 225 mm. Rebound in green cloth. Boards lightly spotted. Spine repaired with small loss at head. Title continues: "Containing The Full And Unabridged Testimont Of All The Witnesses, The Affidavits And Depositions. Herald "Certified" Edition. This Edition is published under the direct supervision of the LAW REPORTER OF THE NEW YORK HERALD, and is the only one containing the Suppressed Testimony. Edwin Forrest (1806-1872) was born in Philadelphia to the impoverished runaway son of a Scottish squire and the daughter of middle-class German immigrants. He is generally acknowledged as the first star and grand tragedian of the American stage. Forrest's power derived mainly from his commanding physique. He stood five feet ten inches tall with a noticeably muscular build (he always favored roles which allowed him to display his massive arms and legs), that on stage made him appear like a giant. Combined with a magnetic presence, a deep, penetrating voice, sdonic good looks, his acting was an overwhelming experience. In the 1840's mutual jealousy and machinations lead to a serious feud with the English actor William Charles Macready. In May 1849, when Macready was acting Macbeth at the Astor Place Opera House in New York, the friends of Forrest hissed and interrupted the performance. Things snowballed out of control, coming to a head in the bloody Astor Place New York Riots in which 23 died and hundreds were injured. Forrest almost certainly had a hand in provoking this incident. In 1851 a second event leading to his wane in popularity was the divorce from his wife. After a two year court battle during which time each had quite publicly, and probably accurately, accused the other of infidelity (Forrest being connected with Josephine Clifton). The trial lasted thirty-two days and ended with Mr Forrest losing the case, his wife being granted alimony of $3,000 per year. Crowds cheered as she left the court. He followed up the verdict with five appeals. Forrest had his own supporters, and continued to play to sold out theatres (during intermissions he made passionate speeches about the trial). To the end of his life he was an injured and bitter man. Very good. Hardbound. Cohen. Bibliography of Early American Law 11443. **PRICE JUST REDUCED! AI BX 3