Bonhams 1793 : PRYNNE (WILLIAM) Histrio-Mastix. The Players Scourge, or, Actors Tragedie, 2 parts in one vol., 1633

Histrio-Mastix. The Players Scourge, or, Actors Tragedie, 2 parts in one vol., second state with list of the "Errates", with blank A1 and 5N4, title rebacked with 2 small blank areas cut away, early ink annotations (quotations, and index references) on intial and final 2 blanks, contemporary calf, repair to upper spine [Wing P20464; Pforzheimer, 809], small 4to, Printed by E.A. and W.I. for Michael Sparke, 1633

Sold for £687 inc. premium

Footnotes

"Despite its unreadability as a whole this book still exercises a very genuine fascination" (Pforzheimer). Histrio-Mastix was a virulent attack on the performance of stage plays, but the Prynne's particular denouncement of female actors at the same time as Queen Henrietta Maria was participating in a court masque, led to his being tried for sedition. He was found guilty, fined £5000, and sentenced to have his ears cut off and to life imprisonment.

Category: Books / Books, Maps and Manuscripts

Auction terms and conditions