Autograph Letter Signed from the dramatist and editor of 'Punch' Tom Taylor, to the actor 'Charles Neville' [Charles Sugden], praising his performance as King WIlliam III in Taylor's play 'Clancarty' and giving advice on 'modulation of the voice'.

4pp., 12mo. On aged paper, with minor traces of gum from mount. Taylor begins: 'My dear Charles Neville | I was glad to receive your letter, for it showed that the seed I had taken pains to sow had not fallen, as most seed so sown in the theatre does fall, upon an ungrateful soil. I am very glad for your own sake, as well as that of fthe play, that your impersonation of William the IIId has made such a good mark, and a mark of the right kind - as a presentation of a historical personage of note in distinctive character.' Neville has 'much to learn - especially in the very difficult point of modulation of the voice, which shd. be as flexible & transparent to shroud the thought through it, as a robe of India muslin to shroud the form.' He urges Neville to 'work at this night & day', and to 'not be satisfied till you have tamed your rebellious organ'. He should 'always take good advice, & be grateful for pains bestowed upon you by those whose advice & instruction are disinterested, sound, and founded on a high conception of your art.'. …