Autograph Letters Signed from Ellen (Tree) Kean to Various Recipients


Book Description

Two letters to Wemyss, (53 and 95) have his draft replies on the inside. The letters to Ann Maria Tree, Maria (Chambers) Kean, Emma Meredith, Martha Tree, Mrs. Tree and B.N. Webster, nos. 3, 15, 29, 45-48, 52, were written during her American tours, ca. 1836-ca. 1839 aand ca. 1845-ca. 1847. The letter to her daughter Mary, no. 19, ca. 1870 gives an account of C.J. Kean's first appearance in 1827, and of his mother. The letter to Sol Smith (41) 1848, gives a survey of the theatrical world. 2 letters to Martha Tree, nos. 45-46, include a note of their mother Mrs. Tree. All the letters to [Edward] Saker (85-92) concern his borrowing of Charles Kean's prompt book, music score and book of photographs of The Winter's Tale for his production of the play in 1876.




Autograph Letter Signed from Ellen Kean to Miss Drysdale


Book Description

Ellen Kean writes to a friend about her husband Charles Kean's transformative recovery from depression: "How I wish you could come see us and see our play and enjoy our brilliant triumph ... You who know how he can be depressed will feel how great and how blissful a change this is for me." Also describes A.E. Chalon's recently completed portrait of her and Charles Kean as "the best thing he has ever done."




Autograph Letter Signed (fragment) from Ellen Kean to Unidentified Recipient


Book Description

Discusses theatrical schedule, including several Shakespeare plays: Merchant of Venice, Hamlet, King Henry IV, and Much ado about nothing. Comments "I wish it was something stronger for Charles I do not like his doing anything so flowery immediately after Macready, but it cannot be avoided."










Autograph Letter Signed from John Palle, Templemore, to Charles Kean, London


Book Description

Palle offers encourages Kean in his theatrical pursuits, and he predicts he will soon surpass Macready. Suggests to Kean that "to marry at [his] age would be folly in the extreme." Also makes references to Sheridan Knowles and Ellen Tree. Integral address leaf addressed to "Charles John Kean, Esqre, 44 Southampton Row, Russell Square, London."