Edward Moore — The Gamester. A Tragedy

London, R. Francklin, 1753 . Leather. The scarce first edition of Edward Moore"s influential tragedy, a cautionary tale of gambling and ruin originally starring David Garrick. Rebound in a modern quarter morocco binding with cloth boards, endpapers renewed.  First edition.  A celebrated five-act domestic tragedy, first performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, on 7th February 1753, with David Garrick creating the principal role of Beverley. Garrick also contributed the prologue and portions of the dialogue.  The drama follows Beverley, a compulsive gambler whose mounting debts and desperate attempts to recover his fortune bring ruin upon himself and his family. His weakness is exploited by the cunning Stukely, culminating in Beverley's fatal collapse.  Edward Moore (1712-1757) was an English poet, dramatist and essayist, also known for The Foundling and Gil Blas. He was closely associated with David Garrick and edited the successful periodical The World from 1753 until shortly before his death. An appealing first edition of Moore's influential tragedy on the vices of gambling.  Rebound in a modern quarter morocco binding with cloth boards. Externally, excellent. Internally, firmly bound. Pages characteristically age toned with one or two light spots and handling marks to fore edge. Repair to upper corner of title page, alongside small shelf annotation. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .