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W. S. Gilbert. Pygmalion and Galatea. An entirely original Mythological Comedy. In Three Acts. London: [Privately Printe...
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Description
W. S. Gilbert. Pygmalion and Galatea. An entirely original Mythological Comedy. In Three Acts. London: [Privately Printed by] Judd & Co., 1872.8vo. Interleaved with blank sheets. Original printed peach wrappers; quarter morocco slipcase.
FIRST EDITION. PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR on the front wrapper: "The Bishop of Limerick / With the Author's Compliments." Additionally, inscribed by him at the head of the title-page: "(Uncorrected Proof)", and with several authorial corrections to the text on pp. 23-24.
Gilbert based his plot on Ovid's tale about a sculptor who is vowed to celibacy but who falls in love with a female statue to whom Venus grants life. This play was first performed at the Haymarket Theatre, London, on Saturday, 9th December, 1871, with great success. Although Gilbert took little credit in his modest Preface: "I have long ceased to take to myself any exceptional credit when a piece of mine succeeds, or any exceptional blame when it fails. So many persons have it in their power to affect a stage play for good or for ill after it leaves an author's hands, and before it is presented to the public, that the extent to which he is affected by its fate is out of all proportion to his power controlling it. 'Pygmalion and Galatea' has succeeded at the Haymarket, not because it is a particularly good comedy (for it is full of faults), but because it was carefully rehearsed and admirably interpreted by comedy-players and presented to a comedy-audience."
Condition: Spine rebacked; some soiling and creasing to covers; repaired tear on upper wrapper. Title repaired at foot of gutter margin; occasional spotting.
Provenance: From the William A. Strutz Library.
View all of [The William A. Strutz Library ]
Auction Info
2024 December 11 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part II, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6300 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2024
11th
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
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