The life and work of noted actor Sir Henry Irving is represented in 22 scrapbooks, collected and arranged by Percy Fitzgerald. Irving's career exemplifies the best in character interpretation and theatrical production. This comprehensive collection, originally titled Henry Irving: His Life & Characters, Illustrated by Scenes, Pictures, and Sketches Together With Criticisms by Clement Scott, Moy Thomas, Joseph Knight, Dutton Cook and others, is now available on microfilm from UMI^®. Also presented are playbills, newspaper and journal clippings, and reviews.

Irving began to earn his reputation as the greatest English actor of his time from his performances at the Lyceum Theatre in London, appearing in Hamlet (1874), MacBeth (1875), and Othello (1876).

In addition to acting, he also wrote The Drama (1893), published an edition of Shakespeare's plays (1883), and served as an innovative manager of the Lyceum Theatre (1878-1903), where he appeared with leading lady Ellen Terry in numerous Shakespearean and contemporary productions. In 1895 he became the first actor to be knighted.

These materials offer theatrical scholars and directors rare insight into the 19th-century approach to Shakespeare, the performing arts, and Irving's contribution to the world of theater.

Fitzgerald began collecting items in 1875, when Irving first experienced theatrical success, and continued collecting until Irving's death. The original volumes were donated to The Garrick Club in London by Fitzgerald.

VOLUME EQUIVALENT: 22 volumes