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Ebers, John (1778-1858)
Seven Years of the King's Theatre.
William Harrison Ainsworth: London, 1828. first edition. Octavo. 395 pp. Frontispiece lithograph of Madame Pasta as Desdemona. Also includes five lithographic plates of female singer portraits, including Sontag. Green half-calf with marbled boards and end-papers. Brown spine with gilt raised bands, gilt label, and gilt compartments. A bit of spotting to title page, but otherwise a very clean and crisp volume with a handsome binding.This book provides details about John Eber's tenure as lessee and manager of the King's Theater from 1821 to 1827, covering details about the theater's operations, finances, and performers. It also provides an interesting and entertaining window into the performing arts culture of early-nineteenth-century London.
When the manager of the King's Theater fled the country in 1820, leaving the season in disarray and the orchestra unpaid, Ebers gave up his ticket selling business to take on the theater's lease and management. He was successful from the start. He focused on Italian opera and oversaw the English premieres of no fewer than seven Rossini operas.
With sweet inscription from former owners on free front end-paper: Uncle Walter, from Billy, Christmas 1913.
BKS-04905$175