THE EARLIEST TIMES TO THE PRESENT DAY.
By ROBERT W. LOWE.
Note.—There is as yet no Bibliography of the general literature of the stage. Plays have been catalogued many times, and some of our greatest bibliographers have directed their attention to Shakespearian literature; but no attempt has been made to give even the baldest catalogue of the large and curious mass of books relating to the History of the Stage, the Biography of Actors and Actresses, the Controversy regarding the Influence of the Stage, the numerous curious Theatrical Trials, and the many scandalous attacks on the personal character of celebrated performers. In the last two classes especially there are many curious pamphlets dealing with the strangest scandals, and often containing the most disgraceful accusations, of which no account is to be found except in the originals themselves, which, having been in many cases suppressed, are of extreme rarity.
The present work is intended to supply in some measure the want which has been felt by all writers on theatrical subjects, as well as by all collectors of theatrical books. It consists of about 2000 titles, the great majority of which are taken directly from the works described. These will be arranged alphabetically, with exhaustive cross-references. Notes regarding each actor and actress will be given, and also an account of the occurrences to which particular works refer, special attention being paid to the less known and more curious pamphlets. Thus, it is hoped, the work will have a historical as well as bibliographical value, and will form a History of the Stage, especially in those details of which regular histories take little or no cognisance. Plays will be excluded, except where they have prefaces, &c., of historical or controversial interest; and of Shakespeariana, only such works will be included as relate to the performance of Shakespeare's plays or the representation of his characters by particular actors.
Quotations of prices at recent famous sales will be given, and the rarity of scarce books will be pointed out.
Third Edition, newly Revised and Corrected, and greatly Enlarged, in 2 vols. medium 8vo, cloth, Three Hundred Engravings and Twelve Full-Page Plates, price 21s.
The Rosicrucians: