This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2024
[VENTRILOQUISM]. The Theatrical Olio; or, Actor’s Ways and Means. [London]: Published by Duncombe, Book and Music Seller, [ca. 1824]. Original printed brown wrappers retained in handsome one-third smooth calf over marbled boards, spine titled in gilt. Hand-colored frontispiece engraving of Matthews as the “old Scotch Woman.” [1 – 3], 4 – 24. Publisher’s advertising slip bound in before rear wrap. 12mo. Bright and well-preserved, with minimal marginal wear and chips, and one small marginal hole to A5.Matthews combined quick-changes, ventriloquism, impressions, and humor in a range of solo performances he dubbed “monodramatic entertainment.” His shows were forerunners of modern ventriloquism.