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Inscribed Association Copy from Publisher Robert Howard Russell (and two fellow Broadway Actors,) to Actor and Theater Impresario, Francis B. Wilson. First Edition. Hard cover, large 8vo (height 9 1/2 inches), in tan-grey cloth blocked in silver with cover design, unsigned but attributed to Will H. Bradley, of twining floral vine, (possibly honeysuckle or chrysanthemum-adjacent,) within a double ruled border, and with the titles within its own ruled area at upper left. Design is mirrored on the rear board. Top edge gilt, others untrimmed. Printed on laid paper, with initial capitals, typography and headers and footers designed by Massachusetts book illustrator and designer, WILL H. BRADLEY. Illustrated with photo reproductions of the lead actors from the play's first production commencing Sept. 1, 1898 at New York's Lyceum Theatre, starring American actress VIRGINIA HARNED as Lady Ursula (see in profile upon the half title page,) and her husband, E.H. SOTHERN in the role of Sir George Sylvester. The half title page is extensively INSCRIBED by E.H.S.(i.e. the actor Sothern) to the book's original owner, Francis Wilson, whose bookplate appears to front endpaper and in ink signature to ffep. Additionally, Sothern has signed two (the ego?!) of his stage photos within, one while dramatically hoisting a handkerchief in character as Sir George Sylvester, opposite the text of page 62, and another seen smoking a pipe thoughtfully, opposite page 30. Signed and inscribed to Wilson by the book's publisher, ROBERT HOWARD RUSSELL to the title page, dated Dec. 12, 1898. Recipient FRANCIS WILSON (b. Philadelphia 1854) began his acting career in comedy, appearing as part of the repertory of New York's Casino Theatre. He went on to found the Frank Wilson Comic Opera Company in 1899. The Internet Broadway Database list his participation in twenty shows (or revivals) over a period spanning 1886 to 1930; he would also become the first President of the Actor's Equity Association, serving from 1913-1920. **CONDITION: Very Good Plus. Boards are lightly rubbed, with a small scuff to rear board as seen. Cloth at head of spine has a 5/8 inch area of discoloration but remains sound and is not frayed. Small rubbing at foot of spine. Joints and hinges are in order. Endpapers lightly browned with a bit of offset opposite inscription. Light toning to text pages. ** A spirited and independently wealthy young Englishwoman makes a play for the attention of a reluctant bachelor in this story set in England's Augustan era, circa1720. Disguised as a man, Lady Ursula ambushes her neighbor Sir George Sylvester outside his mansion, in the hopes of winning a dare to be admitted to his home. Things grow complicated, however, when an imagined slight among the men prompts a duel. Shakespearian-level humor accompanies the case of mistaken identity in this romantic farce. This comedy in four acts was Hope's most successful drama, and was revived on Broadway in 1915. English Author ANTHONY HOPE [Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins] ( 1863-1933) trained as a barrister but found success primarily as a novelist and short story writer. He is perhaps best known for "The Prisoner of Zenda," and The Dolly Dialogues." Influential American graphic designer WILL H. BRADLEY (1868-1962) worked in Massachusetts and on commissions abroad around the turn of the century. *REF: IDBD, Broadway World, for notes and cast of the 1898 Lyceum Theater production, New York. On Will Bradley: Bambace A38. An impressive association copy for the thespian among us, perhaps. (AMJ)
Ref: PLAY 9842
$475.00