Two autograph letters signed (ALS) written from London to Dr. Edmond Malone, discussing Malone's edition of Shakespeare, the political situation, William Jephson, and James Boswell. The first, dated Feb 22 is signed J.C.; the second, dated 15 Dec 1790 has the signature J. Courtenay clipped and pasted at the end. Accompanied by 1 undated ALS written from Powderham Castle to a Mr. Lucas; endorsed Lord Courtenay Novb. 3/98 in an unidentified hand.
Manuscript adaptation of Vanbrugh's play of 1705, itself an adaptation of Flourent-Carton Dancourt's "Bourgoises a la mode" of 1692. The play is farcical representation of middle-class citizens attempting to act like nobility. A verse prologue states that this is the author's first attempt at adaptation, which he has completed because "the wit of Vanbrugh is now out of fashion: language and humour vary with the times."
Description:
Binding: quarter-calf with vellum corners over marbled board front and later textured board rear., For information on the source of acquisition, consult the appropriate curator., In English., Inscription on verso of front flyleaf attributes the play and the hand of the MS to Edmund Malone (1741-1812)., Prologue, definitely in Malone's hand, refers to the death of Roscius [probably David Garrick (1717-1779)]., and Rectos only, with some annotations and corrections on versos.
Subject (Name):
Dancourt, Florent Carton,--1661-1725, Malone, Edmond,--1741-1812, and Vanbrugh, John,--Sir,--1664-1726
Subject (Topic):
Comedy--England--18th century, English drama--18th century, and Middle class families--England--Drama
Autograph manuscript collection of copies of receipts, etc. from the papers of Robert Dodsley (1703-1764); also contains notes on William Shakespeare (1564-1616) and George Steevens (1736-1800).
Alternative Title:
For the essay on metre
Subject (Name):
Dodsley, Robert,--1703-1764, Malone, Edmond,--1741-1812, Shakespeare, William,--1564-1616--Criticism and interpretation, and Steevens, George,--1736-1800
