Book Description

Charles James Mathews was a British actor, son of actor Charles Mathews. Born in Liverpool, upon leaving school he was articled as the architect Augustus Charles Pugin's apprentice and worked in this profession for some years. His first public appearance on the stage was made on 7 December 1835, at the Olympic Theatre in London in his own play "The Humpbacked Lover." As an actor, Mathews held an unrivalled place in his unique vein of light eccentric comedy, thanks to an easy grace combined with "imperturbable solemnity", a combination which amused people. He was one of the few British actors to be successful in French-speaking roles in France, and enjoyed popularity in the United States, touring there three times. He managed several theatres during his career, yet despite theatrical innovations was never financially successful. He embarked on a world tour at age 66 and continued to act until within a few weeks of his death. After his death, Mathews's family entrusted Charles Dickens with a box marked "Materials for the book," which were used to assemble the chapters labeled 'Autobiography' and 'Correspondence' by the editor.