The Unnatural Mother, The Scene in the Kingdom of Siam.; As it is now Acted at the New Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by His Majesty's Servants
London: J.O. for R. Basset at the Mitre in Fleet-Street, near Temple-Bar, 1698. First edition. cloth. First edition. 8vo, 52 pp. Some embrowning to the edges of the text but no significant foxing. Bound later (late 18th or 19th century) in cloth overed boards lettered in gilt over leather half spine (front board detached and leather well worn). Written by "a young lady", "The Unnatural Mother" was published in 1698 as the play was being performed at the New Theatre in London. The prologue, delivered by "Mr. Verbruggen" satirized the then-contemporary theatrical world, praises the author and asks that critics judge the work fairly. The paly is set in Levo, a province in the Kingdom of Siam; the "story develops through domestic tensions, romantic entanglements, mistaken identities, and moral dilemmas...blending romantic comedy with moral instruction." Elkhana Settle (1648-1724) was an English playwright, poet and civic writer whose career spanned the Restoration period. One of the most successful playwrights of the era, his first play, a tragedy titled "Cambyses, King of Persia" debuted in 1667. fair. Item #E37395
Price: $625.00