The Birth, Life and Death of Scaramouch : With Dedicatory Poems and Associated News-Letters Rendered into English Verse by Edmund Blunden : The Special Edition

The sole UK printing published by C. W. Beaumont at the sign of the Harlequin s Bat, London in 1924. Limited edition, this being number '4' of only 80 copies printed on parchment vellum and bound in half vellum with decorative paper covered boards designed by Randolph Schwabe, and signed by the translators Cyril Beaumont and Edmund Blunden. There were also 310 copies printed on handmade paper. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. The book was originally published in Paris in 1695. Here, the cover art has been designed by Randolph Schwabe. 8vo., green and red patterned paste-paper boards over vellum spine, lettered in gilt with decorative devices; decorative label printed in black to upper board; outer edges untrimmed; frontis illustration of Scaramouch; title in red and black with decorative border and publisher s device; with four illustrations throughout; head and tail pieces; and other decorative devices; tightly bound with just some light toning to the outer edges of the text block and boards; slightly bumped and rubbed at the corners. The book is protected in a removable Mylar cover. A detailed and comprehensive history of the character of Scaramouch, a character developed by the commedia dell'arte in Paris, and first popularised in the 17th century by Tiberio Fiorillo. Legend has it that when the two-year-old Dauphin (future Louis XIV) was distressed one night as a child Fiorilli, as Scaramouche, comforted and entertained him through grimaces and general tomfoolery. Consequently, Fiorilli was ordered to visit court to amuse the future King, and the character of Scaramouche henceforth became a standard role in theatre at the time. Constantini (d. 1729) was one of the pillars of the Commmedia dell'Arte from 1682 until 1697, when Louis XIV closed it down. He was the author of Vie de Scaramouche, 1692, and had a devoted following for his singing and expressive acting. A very handsome production and scarce as the special edition. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.