The Stage (Volume 1); Both Before and Behind the Curtain. from "Observations Taken on the Spot." (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1840. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... The stage: both before and behind the curtain Alfred Bunn PREFACE. The postscript to a letter, as being the result of an after-thought, is generally considered the most important part of such communication--the preface to a book is looked upon in the same light. The matter contained in the pages which these remarks precede, would not have required any elucidation of this nature, otherwise so frequently necessary, had it not been for the occurrence of a series of events, during its preparation, which would at first appear almost as incredible as they are unprecedented; and which, from their rapid succession, would not only have deranged, but naturally have delayed the publication of the entire work, if alterations and emendations had taken place, as each event fell in. The deaths of some individuals referred to, and the doings of many yet alive, freely commented upon in the course of its progress, render a particular allusion to them as essential as it is becoming. Vol. i. a If the reader will have the kindness, and at the same time, the patience, to compare the predictions and the observations, as well as the circumstances in connection with them, detailed in these Volumes, with the result exemplified in the preface, he will, at least, be "perplexed in the extreme," to use no stronger term. It is a matter of great gratification to me to perceive the advantage of the plan upon which this production was originally undertaken, and has throughout been conducted--that of relying on facts, rather than trusting to fiction, and supporting argument by document. There is no possibility of refuting the various authorities cited which are interspersed throughout these pages, the records and letters inserted, the opinions...