Autograph Letter Signed.
The best-known Shakespearian interpreter of the late 19th century was this English actor, who toured extensively and played Broadway to great success, often producing and directing as well; his performance in London in 1888 in the title role of "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" earned him consideration as a suspect in the then-current Jack the Ripper murders. Item #41740
ALS, 3pp (lettersheet), 5" X 8", New York,, NY, 4 July 1895. Addressed to Charles Henry Meltzer. Very good. Lightly age toned, with some discreet expert archival mends on folds. On letterhead of the Garrick Theater, in which Mansfield premiered Meltzer's new play "The Story of Rodion, the Student" (a stage version of Dostoyevski's "Crime and Punishment") on December 3, the actor writes the playwright on some future play. In part: "I am glad to receive your report of progress and all your ideas seem Excellent. I shall also be more than pleased to receive the first act and -- I am sure -- to be pleased when I read it. It is also good to hear from a man whose motto appears to be: 'Labor voluptas'.... When you have finished 'Le Pere Prodigue' you will I hope commence at once on a play for me...." Meltzer (1853-1936) was an English dramatist and translator who penned a number of plays, though the new play Mansfield refers to in this letter appears never to have been completed. Excellent stage content -- and attractive despite mild wear.
Price: $195.00