Memoirs of the Life of David Garrick, Esq.
Interspersed with Characters and Anecdotes of his Theatrical Contemporaries

This two-volume biography, published in 1780, charts the life of actor David Garrick (1717–79), illuminating the eighteenth-century London stage.

Thomas Davies (Author)

9781108070676, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 April 2014

450 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.57 kg

The most influential actor of his age, David Garrick (1717–79) shaped the London stage for over three decades as theatre manager at Drury Lane. He popularised a more natural style of acting, and did much to make Shakespeare the most revered English playwright. First published in 1780 and reissued here in the second edition of that year, this two-volume biography was written by Thomas Davies (c.1712–85). Samuel Johnson, a friend of the Garrick family, notably provided Davies with anecdotes and information on Garrick's early life. The work does not dwell on gossip or private life; it offers instead an informed portrait of the stage in Garrick's time. Davies had inhabited this world as a much less successful actor himself, before becoming a bookseller. His work is therefore a direct and valuable witness to theatrical London in the eighteenth century. The second volume covers the years 1763–79.

31. Account of the riot
32. Author of Elvira
33. Reflections on the ill success of Drury-lane theatre in 1763
34. State of the stage during Mr Garrick's absence
35. Mr Garrick's entertainment in France and Italy
36. State of the stage during Mr Garrick's absence
37. Mr Garrick's return to England
38. Death of Mrs Cibber
39. Mr Garrick's Country Girl
40. Hugh Kelly
41. Dr Goldsmith
42. The Padlock
43. Mrs Pritchard retires from the stage
44. Mr Havard leaves the stage
45. The jubilee at Stratford
46. Mr Mossop quits the service of Mr Garrick
47. Mr Barry visits London
48. Mr Foote and Mr Garrick
49. Mr Cumberland
50. Death of Mr Lacey
51. The players unprotected and persecuted
52. Improvements in the entrance to Drury-lane theatre
53. Mr Garrick retired from the theatre
54. View of Mr Garrick's general character
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Theatre studies [AN]