Memoirs of the Life of Charles Macklin, Esq.: Volume 2
Principally Compiled from his Own Papers and Memorandums

A 1799 two-volume account of the long life of Charles Macklin (c.1699–1797), a colourful yet controversial actor and playwright.

James Thomas Kirkman (Author)

9781108064675, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 September 2013

470 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.7 cm, 0.59 kg

Drawing on his own papers and first published in 1799, this two-volume account traces the colourful life of the actor and playwright Charles Macklin (c.1699–1797). His long career serves as the focal point in a history of the eighteenth-century theatre and its most celebrated performers. Hailed for his enduring interpretation of Shakespeare's Shylock, a role he played for some fifty years, Macklin has been credited with the theatre's move towards realism. His life was just as dramatic offstage, marked as it was by a series of controversies and fierce rivalries. In 1735 he was convicted of the manslaughter of a fellow actor in a quarrel over a wig, and in 1775 he successfully pressed charges of conspiracy against theatregoers who had rioted during his performances. Volume 2 covers the latter part of Macklin's career up to his death. Also included is a selection of letters written to his son.

1. From Dublin to London
2. Macklin does not play
3. Leeds and Liverpool
4. Writes to Mr Colman
5. Report of Mr Dunning's speech
6. Mr Justice Aston sums up
7. The King's Bench
8. A new agreement with Mr Harris
9. Macklin performs but seldom
10. Covent Garden theatre
11. The Man of the World
12. The Dublin manager engages Macklin
13. Macklin still frequents the playhouse
14. Continuation of letters to his son
15. Continuation of letters to his son
16. Conclusion of letters to his son
17. Macklin grows very infirm
18. The royal family
19. Mr Macklin's general character
20. Macklin's extraordinary manner of living
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Theatre studies [AN]