Memoirs of the Life of John Philip Kemble, Esq. 2 Volume Set: Including a History of the Stage, from the Time of Garrick to the Present Period

by James Boaden

Overview

Born into the theatre, though originally intended for Catholic holy orders, John Philip Kemble (1757–1823) made as great a name for himself on the English stage as his gifted older sister, Sarah Siddons. Known for his mastery of tragic Shakespearian roles, among which Coriolanus was deemed his finest, Kemble also distinguished himself as acting manager at Drury Lane under Sheridan. Described by Sir Walter Scott as 'grave, critical, full and laudably accurate', this extensive two-volume biography was the work of James Boaden (1762–1839), an author well acquainted with the foremost theatrical personalities of his day. Boaden's biographies of Sarah Siddons, Elizabeth Inchbald and Dorothy Jordan have also been reissued in this series, along with his edition of David Garrick's correspondence. Volume 1 of the present work covers Kemble's career through to his first season in charge at Drury Lane in 1788–9. Volume 2 closes with the text of Kemble's will.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108064941
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/05/2013
Series:	Cambridge Library Collection - British & Irish History, 17th & 18th Centuries
Pages:	1132
Product dimensions:	5.71(w) x 8.58(h) x 2.72(d)

Table of Contents

Volume 1: Introduction; Part I: 1. Preliminary reflections; 2. His York engagement; 3. Mr Kemble arrives in town; 4. Covent Garden; 5. Mr Kemble's first appearance in London; 6. Range of parts at this period; 7. Mrs Abington; 8. Mr Kemble's acting; 9. Winter season of 1784–5; 10. Mr Pope's 'Oroonoko'; 11. Close of the season 1784–5; 12. Season of 1785–6; 13. Haymarket; 14. Summer of 1787; Part II: 1. Season of 1788–9; 2. Other novelties; Illustrations. Volume 2: Part II (cont.): 3. Season of 1789–90; 4. Season of 1790–1; 5. Winter season of 1791–2; 6. Holland's new Covent Garden theatre; 7. Mrs Radcliffe's Romance of the Forest; 8. Mr Harris restores a one shilling gallery; 9. Mr Kemble in Vortigern; 10. Consequences of the failure to Mr Kemble; 11. Losses of the stage; 12. Winter season of 1798–9; 13. Season of 1799–1800; 14. Season of 1800–1; 15. Season of 1801–2; Part III: 1. Season of 1802–3; 2. Weekly salaries; 3. The author's explanation; 4. Colman's theatre; 5. Charles Young; 6. Refuge in the Haymarket; 7. Building of the new theatre; 8. A miscellaneous chapter; 9. Situation of the Covent Garden theatre; Mr Kemble's last will.