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[THEATER]. Pair of 17th Century Caroline-Era Stage Comedies, including: SHIRLEY, James (1596-1666). The Sisters, a Comedie, as It was acted at the private House in Black Fryers… London: Humphrey Robinson, 1652. 12mo. [59], [1, blank] pp. With Epilogue leaf. Disbound from the first edition collection of 5 plays by Shirley. This has the title-page (all of the bound plays had a separate title-page; some soiling). Very good. FIRST EDITION. And: COWLEY, Abraham (1618-1667). The Guardian; a Comedie. Acted before Prince Charls His Highness at Trinity-Colledg in Cambridge… London: John Holden, 1650. 12mo. With Epilogue leaf. Disbound (worn, soiled, upper margins and fore-edges trimmed closely with some loss of text, including page numbers). Fair. FIRST PRINTED EDITION OF THIS PLAY, ORIGINALLY PERFORMED IN 1641. Cowley's play was revived in the 1660s after the Restoration, re-titled, The Cutter of Coleman Street. These Caroline-era plays were performed before the English theaters were closed for the English Civil War. Both are rare.