A group of six Autograph Letters, to George Vining, actor, and “dear Webster” (probably Benjamin Webster, actor-manager), incorporating humorous illustrations by Watts Phillips, discussing engagements, arrangements to meet (”Wouldn’t a cold pigeon pie be nice?”), the casting for his plays, and much else by PHILLIPS, Watts

London and Paris, undated and 1864, one docketed “when playing Badger in The Streets of London”. 15 pp, in good condition. Uncommon. Watts Phillips (1825 –1874), illustrator, novelist and playwright best known for his play The Dead Heart which served as a model for Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. When a dramatization of A Tale of Two Cities was mounted at the Lyceum by Madame Celeste in January, 1860, Phillips’ friend, Mr. Coleman, wrote, “society divided itself into two factions – the Celestites and Dickensites, the Websterites and Phillipsites. Then came accusations and recriminations as to coincidences and plagiarisms, and bad blood arose on both sides.” Phillips, who didn’t know at the time that Dickens was familiar with his play, was devastated by the situation, writing to Webster that he found it, “very heartbreaking.” The rancour eventually dissipated: while in London in 1865, Phillips met Dickens who invited him to a Theatrical Fund Dinner. Included with this group of entertaining letters is the title page of Watts Phillips’ comedy, Paul’s Return; the dedication is to George Vining.