Details
PRYNNE, William (1600-69). Histrio-Mastix. The Players Scourge, or, Actors Tragaedie. London: E. A. and W. I. for M. Sparke, 1633, 4° (191 x 134mm). (Lightly browned, a few spots and stains). Contemporary sprinkled calf, compartments of spine and sides ruled in blind (rubbed, foot of spine chipped, hinges and corners a little worn). Provenance: Thomas Edward Watson (bookplate; by descent to the present owners).
FIRST EDITION, issue with 'Errataes' on 3*4v, of Prynne's violent attack on everything to do with the theatre and with his disgraceful epithet on actresses, widely supposed to be directed towards Henrietta Maria who, at the time, was taking part in the rehearsal of a ballet. For this Prynne was sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of £5,000 (both these punishments were commuted) and to stand in the pillory and lose both of his ears (not commuted).
FIRST EDITION, issue with 'Errataes' on 3*4
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