DeCastro, Jacob — R. Humphreys (editor) | A comedian's memoirs, including a history of London theatre life

DeCastro, Jacob — R. Humphreys (editor)

The Memoirs of J. DeCastro, Comedian… London: Sherwood, Jones, & Co., 1824 

8vo (190 x 111 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of DeCastro, extra-illustrated with 63 plates, some of which folding, occasional foxing. Full contemporary calf, covers ruled in gilt, decorative gilt cornerpieces, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers; rebacked retaining original spine panel, upper board detached, extremities rubbed, pencil annotations to front free endpapers.  

DeCastro's memoirs and history of London theatre life, including the history of the Royal Circus

DeCastro first demonstrated talent as a mimic in Purim plays, and in 1779 he was introduced to the stage. By 1786, DeCastro was working with Philip Astley (whose biography is also present within this work), the leading English showman of his day. De Castro was made manager of London's the Royalty Theater in 1803, but eventually returned to work with Astley, remaining with him until the latter's death in 1814. 

PROVENANCE:

William deForest Thomson (bookplate to front pastedown)