Mimeograph typescript for "Macbeth the Knife: A version for eight players, doubling parts, and a tape recorder".

WHITE, T. H.

Published by [1960]

About this Item

A mimeograph typescript, sent to Harley J. V. Usill, the founding director of the British record label Argo Records, inscribed on the title page, "from T. H. White, Alderney, Channel Isles". White's lengthy written note to "Dearest Usill" discusses the possibility of recording the play: "For sound on a record, every melodramatic effect would have to be used.This is for fun and splendour, for Richard [Burton] to let himself go in, not for dons." White was no doubt inspired by the Brecht-Weill song, "Mack the Knife", from their 1928 music drama The Threepenny Opera, given new currency by Bobby Darin in 1959, whose recording became a number one hit in the US and UK. There is no trace of White's play having been recorded by Argo, though a parody song under the same title was performed by Danny Kaye on the Danny Kaye Show, 2 October 1963. The typescript is accompanied by three contemporary autograph letters signed from White to Usill, again mentioning Richard Burton (with whom Usill had a working relationship) and discussing the recording of other works including The Sword and the Stone, which was recorded by Usill at Argo in 1963 with music by Benjamin Britten. White (1906-1964) is best known for his sequence of Arthurian novels, The Once and Future King, first published together in 1958. Mimeographed typescript, 26 sheets (330 x 202 mm), text rectos only, wire-stitched. Housed in custom olive cloth chemise and slipcase. Excellent condition.

Seller Inventory # 86009

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mimeograph typescript for "Macbeth the Knife: A version for eight players, doubling parts, and a tape recorder".
• Publisher: [1960]
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)