Books about theatrical technique and life.
An Apology for Actors. Containing three briefe Treatises. 1 Their Antiquity. 2 Their ancient Dignity. 3 The true use of their quality. Written by Thomas Heywood. London, Printed by Nicholas Okes. 1612.
A General History of the Stage, from its origin in Greece down to the present time. With memoirs of most of the principal performers on the English and Irish stage for these last fifty years. Collected and digested by W. E. Chetwood, twenty years prompter to his Majesty’s Company of Comedians at the Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane, London. London: W. Owen, 1749.
Le Comédien. Par M. Rémond de Sainte Albine. Nouvelle édition, augmentée et corrigée. Paris: Chez Vincent, Fils, 1749.
The Actor: a treatise on the art of playing. Interspersed with theatrical anecdotes, critical remarks on plays, and occasional observations on audiences. [By John Hill.] London: Printed for R. Griffith, at the Dunciad, in St. Paul’s Church-yard. 1750.
The Thespian Dictionary; or, Dramatic biography of the eighteenth century; containing sketches of the lives, productions, &c., of all the principal managers, dramatists, composers, commentators, actors, and actresses, of the United Kingdom: interspersed with several original anecdotes; and forming a concise history of the English stage. London: Printed by J. Cundee for T. Hurst, 1802.
The Thespian Preceptor; or, a full display of the scenic art: including ample and easy instructions for treading the stage, using proper action, modulating the voice, and expressing the several dramatic passions: illustrated by examples from our most approved ancient and modern dramatists; and calculated not only for the improvement of all loves of the stage, actors and actresses, but likewise of public orators, readers, and visitors of the Theatres Royal. London: Printed by and for J. Roach, at the Theatrical Library, 1810.