William Poel — Shakespeare in the Theatre

London, Sidgwick & Jackson, 1913 . First edition. Hardback. The very scarce first edition of English actor, theatrical manager and dramatist William Poel's detailed discussion of the staging of the plays of Shakespeare. The very scarce first edition of this work from the founder and director of the Elizabethan Stage Society.Illustrated with a frontispiece.Poel discusses the performance of Shakespeare's plays throughout the centuries, including discussion of Elizabethan playhouses and performers, various productions of key plays such as 'Hamlet' and 'King Lear', and the role of the national theatre and theatrical companies within England.He also discusses the character of Lady Macbeth, and 'Shakespeare's Jew' in comparison with Marlowe's Christians.With an advertisement leaf to the rear. In the publisher's original paper covered boards. Small losses of paper to back strip head and tail and front joint. A touch of fading to head of front board. Internally, firmly bound. Pages exceptionally clean and bright. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .