Biographia dramatica, or, A companion to the playhouse. containing Historical and Critical Memoirs, and original Anecdotes, of British and Irish Dramatic Writers, from the commencement of our Theatrical Exhibitions; amongst whom are some of the most celebrated Actors. Also an alphabetical account of their works, the dates when printed, and occasional observations on their merits. Together with an introductory view of the rise and progress of the British stage.

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Over a thousand dramas listed. Second edition (New Edition), two volumes, in 19c half calf over cloth, some blind tooling. Spines, gilt titles, blind & gilt tooling. Internally, Vol 1, 1782, [2], (v-lii), 496 pp. Vol 2, 1782, [2], [1], 2-442 pp. Lacking half titles, an interleaved example, text in 2 columns, both volumes with title & endpage tipped to gutter stubs & eps with some paper repairs. Pencil name (Arthur? Wm Ashby Oxon) to feps, Exeter College coat of arms to fpd, binders stamp to fpds (Mattby), bookseller label to epds, 2 oval stamps to titles (Russell Institution), 2 tipped in old catalogue descriptions to fep. First edition published anonymously, 1764, under the title "The companion to the playhouse". (207*131 mm). (ESTC T89214).