Duffet, Thomas | The play's the thing

Duffet, Thomas

The Spanish Rogue. As It was Acted by His Majesties Servants. London: Printed for William Cademan, 1674

4to (216 x 152 mm). Title-page cut round and laid down on a another sheet of paper, small hole touching 2 letters in title, lacks final leaf K4 (Epilogue and errata), some light dampstaining to top margins. Nineteenth-century burgundy roan over blue marbled boards, blue endpapers, spine letter gilt; extremities rubbed.

First edition. Duffet’s comedy was first performed in 1673 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, by the King’s Company. The original cast, supplied on π2r, included William Harris as Don Fenise, Edward Lydall as Don Alonzo, Marmaduke Watson as Don Manuel, Martin Powell as Larasco, John Coysh as Mingo, Philip Grivvin as Sanchez, Elizabeth Boutell as Alcinda, Katherine Corey as Teresa, and Elizabeth Knepp as Leonella.

In his dedication to Nell Gwyn, actress and mistress to King Charles, Duffett exclaims he is the first who has taken the boldness to tell her in print that next to her beauty her virtues are the greatest miracle of the age!

REFERENCE:

ESTC R11344; Wing D2453

PROVENANCE:

J. Floming (early ownership signature on title-page and dedication leaf) — Edward Levy (ticket on front pastedown)