[James Robertson Anderson, Scottish actor and dramatist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J R Anderson') to Charles Perkins, Bath stage manager, sending news of the actress Helena Faucit, and giving 'a list of plays to select from' (half by Shakespeare).

Author: 
James Robertson Anderson (1811-1895), Scottish actor and dramatist [Charles Perkins [Christopher John Perkins], 'comedian', of the English Opera House, stage manager in Bath; Helena Faucit, actress]
Publication details: 
6 August 1843. Elm Cottage, Wellington Road, Bristol Road, Birmingham.
£80.00
SKU: 22669

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 12mo bifolium, with the two-page letter on both sides the first leaf, and the list of plays on recto of second leaf. In fair condition, aged and worn, with closed tear. Folded three times. Addressed: 'To/ | Chas. Perkins Esqr. | 2 North Place | Hampstead.' The letter begins: 'My dear Perkins, | I have not been able to reply to your last earlier - having been confined to my bed-room ever since the 31st. of July by a most severe attack of inflammation.' He has been obliged to postpone his 'Cork engagement on account of this unseen misfortune'. He informs him that 'Miss H. Faucit is in London with her friends', adding 'I did hope to have been with mine for a few days but for this illness'. He is sending 'a list of plays to select from', explaining that he has 'no particular arrangement to offer save that I should like the Patrician's Daughter acted as soon as possible'. The list is of twelve plays, half of them by Shakespeare: 'Romeo and Juliet | Macbeth | Othello | Cymbeline | Patrician's Daughter | Much Ado About Nothing | The Wonder | The Lady of Lyons | The Gamester | Venice Preserved | Hamlet | The Stranger'.