- "WHAT GENIUS MUST THE PACT [BEAUMONT & FLETCHERE] HAVE HAD WHO COULD PAINT SUCH A CHARACTER AS ARBACES'. HE IS PROUD, VAINGLORIOUS, IMPATIENT OF REPROOF, AND IMPETUOUS AS THE WHIRLWIND IN HIS ANGER. INTEMPERATE IN HIS APPETITES HE BURNS WITH AN INCESTUOUS PASSION." -

TYTLER (Alexander Fraser, Lord Woodhouselee, Scottish advocate, judge, writer and historian who was a Professor of Universal History, and Greek and Roman Antiquities at the University of Edinburgh, 1747-1813).

An original manuscript letter TOGETHER WITH part of an original - possibly unpublished - essay on old English theatre by Alexander Fraser Tytler, Lord Woodhouslee, 1811 and late 18th century.

Two manuscript items, both tipped in to collector's window mounts: [1] Letter from Tytler, written in the third person as Lord Woodhouselee, with place and date at foot 'Princes Street [Edinburgh] 28 Jany. 1811'. In black ink, on wove paper. Size: (excluding window mount) - approx. 18.5cm x 11.5cm; [2] Part of a manuscript essay by Tytler on both sides of a sheet of laid and watermarked 4to, in black ink, with numerous corrections / crossings out. Undated but late 18th century.

Very Good condition. Light age-toning as would be expected. Please ask if you require a more detailed condition report, and view gallery images closely.

The letter, to Mr Stewart, regrets that he was not at his home in Edinburgh to receive Stewart and Mr Locker, and proposes that they meet instead on Thursday 7th February. "Lord W. will be happy to have the honour of his company to dinner at 5 oClock." The Stewart he addresses may be Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart (1753-1828).   

The 2-page manuscript by Tytler discusses the genius of Beaumont and Fletcher, and in particular their character of Arbaces in the play 'A King or No King'. We can find no evidence that the essay was ever published, but stand to be corrected by any scholars of theatre who know otherwise!