Memoirs of Mrs Siddons

Published in 1827, this two-volume biography of acclaimed actress Sarah Siddons (1755–1831) includes many vivid anecdotes of theatrical life.

Inspired by 'gratitude to the actor and duty to the public, to perpetuate the character of excellence, and afford models for imitation to future artists', this two-volume 1827 biography of acclaimed tragedian Sarah Siddons (1755–1831) fed popular obsession with theatrical anecdote and criticism in an age of transformation for the English stage.Published in 1827, this two-volume work by the playwright and biographer James Boaden (1762–1839) is a sprightly portrayal of the acclaimed actress Sarah Siddons (1755–1831). Closely collaborating with his subject, Boaden (whose memoir of Dorothy Jordan is also reissued in this series) was able to establish himself as an authoritative biographer, preferred over others for his intellect and wealth of anecdotes from a lifetime spent within the theatrical world. Arguably the greatest tragic actress of her age, Siddons broke new ground in the reactions she provoked in audiences and in the social legitimisation of the English stage. Containing vivid descriptions of performances, this work details the acting style of Siddons and the inner workings of the theatrical community. Volume 2 covers Siddons' most illustrious period, when she established herself as a cultural icon, from royal patronage in the mid-1780s and her celebrated Lady Macbeth, to her retirement in 1812 and occasional subsequent appearances.