Theatrical and Circus Life; or, Secrets of the Stage, Green-Room and Sawdust Arena

St. Louis: Sun Publishing Co, 1882. First edition. Cloth. Good. 8" by 5.5". Not Stated. A scarce to find first edition of this fascinating history of the theatre and circus with anecdotes on theatrical and circus life, including many beautiful colour plates. The scarce first edition of this work.A fascinating study into the theatrical and circus life behind the stage, an anecdotal work showcasing secrets of the stage, green room, and sawdust arena.Including a detailed history of the theatre, from the days of Shakespeare to the 1880s, with anecdotes on many of the famous actors and actresses of the time and an exposition of the mysteries of the stage.Illustrated with a colour frontispiece, seven colour plates, and in-text engravings.Collated, complete.By John Joseph Jennings.From the library of Paul Gallico, a noted novelist best known for 'The Snow Goose' and 'The Poseidon Adventure'. In the original publisher's cloth binding. Externally, with some light bumping to the spine and extremities, with a small amount of loss to the head of the spine. Some light marks and rubbing to the boards and spine. Spine is a little discoloured. Hinges are starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean with a few light handling marks. Good