A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers and other Stage Personnel in London, 1660-1800,

Abstract

In 1973 Volumes I and 2 of this biographical dictionary appeared, followed in 1975 by Volumes 3 and 4. The project is massive and comprehensive in plan and scope. In 12 or more Volumes, the authors propose to “provide brief biographical notices of all persons who were members of theatrical companies or occasional performers or were patentees or servants of the patent theatres, opera houses, amphitheatres, pleasure gardens, theatrical taverns, music rooms, fair booths, and other places of public entertainment in London and its immediate environs from the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 until the end of the season 1799-1800.” This said, the authors at once recognize the impossibility of the task they have set themselves, but they have found “at least some information” on more than 8500 people - a creditable achievement.