Scarce periodical 1817, 1818 and 1819 offering 20 full page hand-coloured plates by George Cruikshank plus 8 black and white full page plates.
The British Stage and Literary Cabinet was a publication which ran from 1817 to 1822 focusing on theatre and literature, providing insights into British stage performances and literary works of the time. Many female actresses of the period are featured. The publication was issued monthly, with continuous numbering throughout its volumes. This bound volume contains 32 editions from Volumes 1 -4 including:
Volume 1. 1817. 11 complete editions numbered II – XII (No. I January part missing. pp. 23 - pp. 24 only). Pages numbered consecutively pp. 23 - pp. 296. 10 beautiful full page colour illustrations including Mr Fawcett as Hardy, Mr Matherns as Scout and Mrs Lister as Dollalolla.
Volume 2. 1818. 10 complete editions numbered XIII, XIV, XVII, XVIII, IXX, XX, XXI, XXII, XXIII, XXIV (No’s XV & XVI March and April missing). Pages numbered pp. 1-46 and pp. 97-299 including index. 8 full page colour illustrations including Signor Naldi as Figaro and Miss Brunton as Lydia Languish.
Volume 3. 1819. Includes title page. 9 complete editions numbered XXV - XXXIII. Pages numbered consecutively pp.1 – pp.292. 9 full page b/w illustrations and 1 colour including Miss Taylor as Jeannie Deans, Miss Foote as Ulrica and Mrs Siddons as Lady Randolph.
Following the appointment of a new editor Volume 4 commences October 1819. 2 complete editions numbered XXXIV and XXXV. Pages numbered consecutively pp.1 – 40. 1 full page colour illustration.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A very sound binding in half blue crushed morocco over age worn marbled boards. Handsome spine in 5 compartments, relaid and ruled in gilt and titled ‘The British Stage’. Inner hinges reinforced with cloth; endpapers and flyleaves sound, age toned as expected. The opening title page is that of Vol. II dated 1818 but following on are the editions from Volume I as noted. Text block is in very good, sound condition throughout. Leaves age toned and a little spotted in places as expected. Illustrations remain vibrant, in excellent and very appealing condition.
