The Story of our First Parents, selected from Milton's Paradise Lost. For the Use of Young Persons.

Published by London: John Murray, 1822

  • First Edition
  • Signed
  • Used
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Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United KingdomPeter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB.

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Item description from seller

First edition, second issue, presentation copy, warmly inscribed by the author on an initial blank, "To Sally Siddons, from her affectionate Grandmother". Siddons dominated the London theatre scene from 1782 to 1812: she performed the role of Hamlet nine times over thirty years and was venerated across the country in her most iconic role, Lady Macbeth. Sarah Siddons (née Kemble, 1755-1831) established herself "as the most acclaimed tragic actress of her own age, and she has subsequently been widely regarded as the greatest female performer in English theatrical history. In her own lifetime she achieved the status of a popular icon, playing a key role in the social legitimation of the acting profession, moving from the reputedly disreputable world of provincial touring theatre to the salons of the aristocracy, and amassing substantial personal wealth. Siddons's Lady Macbeth continues to be regarded as the one against which all later interpretations have been judged" (ODNB). Thomas Gainsborough's portrait of Siddons, painted in 1785, hangs in the National Gallery. Siddons gave public readings of Paradise Lost after she retired from the stage, and writes that this abridgement "was made several years ago for the purpose of being read to my children. it was calculated to afford occupation and amusement for four evenings". The book was issued earlier the same year under the title An Abridgement of Paradise Lost. The recipient of this copy was most likely Sarah Elizabeth Siddons (later Grant, 1803-1875), the daughter of Siddons's eldest son, Henry. Several pages have pencil marks in the margins highlighting portions of text, and a bookmarker is inserted between pages 168 and 169 at the beginning of the eleventh book; it is tempting to speculate that these were the passages that Siddons read to her granddaughter. Joseph Wittreich, Feminist Milton, 2020. Octavo (211 x 133 mm). Contemporary brown calf, rebacked with part of the original spine laid down, covers bordered with a gilt double-fillet frame, elaborate gilt rolls to board edges and turn-ins, marbled endpapers and edges, green silk bookmarker. Bookplate to front pastedown of George Clifford Thomas (1839-1809), American banker and philanthropist, designed by Joseph Winifred Spenceley and dated 1902. Extremities lightly worn, some scuffs and small repairs to covers, sporadic light marks to contents, otherwise clean, about very good.

Seller Inventory # 159920

Bibliographic details

Title
The Story of our First Parents, selected from Milton's Paradise Lost. For the Use of Young Persons.
Author
SIDDONS, Sarah.
Publisher
London: John Murray, 1822
Signed
Signed by Author(s)
Edition
1st Edition

Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB.

London, United Kingdom

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AbeBooks seller since July 26, 1999

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Peter Harrington Antiquarian Bookseller has grown to become one of the largest and best known rare booksellers in Europe. Member of the ABA and ILAB. Visit us in the UK at 100 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6HS Phone +44 (0)20 7591 0220 Fax +44 (0)20 7225 7054 www.peterharrington.co.uk

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