Abbey copy with inscription. Abbey's copy of this rare work on the theatres of the United Kingdom in quintessential Georgian style. His inscription speaks to the rarity of the work, as they were often broken for the plates: 'a rare book, took 20 years to find'. This work is the only account of British theatre of the period by an author who was also an actor.

James Winston (1773-1843) toured the country as an actor and stage manager and is entertaining in his descriptions of the theatres and their reputations, often lamenting the lack of quality in both the players and play-goers. He demonstrates intimate knowledge of each theatre and its management, being able to recount obscure scandalous history and regularly quotes the location of the dressing rooms and height of the stage.

First and only edition, inscribed by the author; 4to (27 x 23 cm); 24 hand-coloured aquatints after the author, bookplate to front paste-down, final text leaf and plate (Norwich) torn and professionally repaired with one small portion replaced with manuscript facsimile, discreet stamp to title; contemporary full calf, boards gilt with title lettered in gilt to upper board, spine lettered in gilt in six compartments, turn-ins gilt rolled, all edges gilt, upper hinge starting to split but holding, boards and spine slightly rubbed otherwise a very good copy; [1], 72pp.

Abbey (Scenery), 29; Lowndes p2659; Tooley 512.