Sir Henry Irving: A record of over twenty years at the Lyceum presents a historical account of one of the most influential figures in English theatre, tracing his evolution as an actor and his legacy at the Lyceum Theatre. The book examines the shaping forces of theatrical life, including the discipline, hardship, and risk associated with performance as a career. The narrative opens with a look at Irving’s early life and education, where his first encounters with the stage reflect a growing passion shaped by environment and determination. Attention is paid to the nature of theatrical training, which was often harsh, uncertain, and reliant on perseverance. The story captures how the actor honed his craft, made strategic choices, and cultivated relationships essential to professional growth. Through these reflections, the book sets the foundation for a deeper exploration of theatrical production, the cultural life of the Lyceum, and the interplay between artistic ambition and public expectation. It promises a portrayal not only of a career but of a changing era in drama and performance.
Percy Hetherington Fitzgerald was an Anglo-Irish author, biographer, critic, painter, and sculptor. Born in 1834 in Fane Valley, County Louth, he was the son of Thomas Fitzgerald. He received his education at Belvedere College in Dublin, continued at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, and later graduated from Trinity College, Dublin. Initially trained for the legal profession, he was called to the bar but soon redirected his efforts toward literature and the arts. Fitzgerald moved to London where he became a regular contributor to periodicals and gained recognition for his literary criticism and historical works. Among his most notable publications are biographies of prominent theatrical figures and comprehensive histories of English drama. He had a particular interest in the lives and works of Charles Dickens and Sir Henry Irving. Fitzgerald also pursued visual arts, producing busts and portraits, and maintained a deep admiration for the theatrical world. He died in Dublin on 24 November 1925 at the age of 91. Throughout his long career, he remained a devoted chronicler of Victorian culture and the figures who shaped it.
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