Contrad Robert Taylor (1 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Fair. First Edition. First edition, 1854. Chip at head, heel and light fraying to heel, and corners, which are lightly bumped. Loose signature secured, some minor spine repair. Else a good copy, collectible for its associations. Conrad was the son of a publisher of Philadelphia, was educated for the bar, and attained a high reputation as a political speaker, and as an editor and poet. In literature he is best known by the tragedy of Aylmere, purchased by Edwin Forrest (also a native of Philadelphia), in which that actor played the part of Jack Cade, which became one of his key characters. The play was said to be "one of the few American tragedies to hold the stage". This copy has an important provenance, which is written in ink across the title page, with the sticker of the "American Dramatic Fund incorporated April 10th, 1848". The lengthy contemporary sepia ink inscription reads: Presented to the Library of the A. D. F. Association by J. C (?) Henry Jr. Aug. 1854 (or 64) Bought at the sale by Alfred Becks and presented to me". The American Dramatic Fund Association was founded in New York City in 1848 for the purpose of aiding members of the theatrical profession (actors, dancers and singers) who were unable to work, helping to support members' widows and orphans, and defraying funeral expenses of members. The organization has been known as the Actors' Fund of America since 1882.