BIOGRAPHIA DRAMATICA; OR, A COMPANION TO THE PLAYHOUSE: Containing Historical and critical Memoirs, and original Anecdotes, of British and Irish Dramatic Writers, from the commencement of out theatrical exhibitions; among whom are some of the most celebrated actors: Also an alphabetical account, and chronological lists, of their works, the dates when printed, and observations on their merits: Together with an introductory view of the rise and progress of the British Stage. Originally compiled, to the year 1764, by David Erskine Baker. Continues thence to 1782, by Isaac Reed. And brought down to the End of November 1811, with very considerable Additions and Improvements throughout, by Stephen Jones. (3 volumes bound in 4 books).

Baker, David Erskine; Reed, Isaac; and Jones, Stephen.

Published by London: Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown et al, 1812., 1812

About this Item

- Octavo. 8-7/8 inches high by 5-5/8 inches wide. Four volumes uniformly bound in speckled brown calf rebacked with matching calf spines, with gilt-titled labels & raised bands on the spine. The corners of each volume have also been reinforced with later calf. The crudely rebacked spines are coming loose from the covers and the front cover of the first volume is detached and that of the third volume is nearly detached. The covers are rubbed and scuffed and the labels are chipped. The rear cover of the last volume is stained with red ink. Title, pages [1]-384; title & pages [385]-789; title & pages [1]-404; and title & pages [1]-476. There is dampstaining throughout and the pages are wrinkled. A contemporary owner's name dated in the year of publication is penned at the top of the title pages. Fair working copies. From the collection of William Twopeny, with his round armorial bookplate mounted on the front pastedown of each volume. The Twopeny library was sold by Sotheby in May of 1902.

Seller Inventory # 37024

Bibliographic Details

• Title: BIOGRAPHIA DRAMATICA; OR, A COMPANION TO THE PLAYHOUSE: Containing Historical and critical Memoirs, and original Anecdotes, of British and Irish Dramatic Writers, from the commencement of out theatrical exhibitions; among whom are some of the most celebrated actors: Also an alphabetical account, and chronological lists, of their works, the dates when printed, and observations on their merits: Together with an introductory view of the rise and progress of the British Stage. Originally compiled, ...
• Publisher: London: Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown et al, 1812.
• Publication Date: 1812
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fair
• Seller catalogs:
  • Theatre