THE DRAMATIC WORKS OF JAMES SHERIDAN KNOWLES
London and New York: Routledge, Warnes, & Routledge, 1859. Second Edition. Hardcover. James Sheridan Knowles (1784–1862) was an Irish playwright and actor, renowned primarily for his contributions to the 19th-century English theater. Initially a poet, Knowles gained prominence with his plays, particularly the tragedy "Virginius", which established his reputation and significantly influenced the style of acting at the time. He aimed to make drama more accessible by employing a realistic and colloquial language, moving away from the ornate poetic traditions that dominated earlier theatrical works. His notable works include "Caius Gracchus", which presented intense political themes, and "William Tell", which emphasized civic liberty. Small octavo, two volumes: vi, [2], 448 pp. + [iv], 457, [1, blank], [2, ads] pp. with the frontispiece portrait with tissue guard, a mezzotint by William Finden after T. Wageman. In the publisher's green vertical fine-ribbed cloth bindings, with blind-stamped concentric ruled borders, cursive ruled surround, and bands, and gilt-stamped titling. Partially unopened. A fine set. Provenance: from the Publishers' Bookbindings collection of Ellen K. Morris and Edward S. Levin. Fine. Item #79004
Price: $150.00