The most influential actor of his age, David Garrick (1717 79) shaped the London stage for over three decades as theatre manager at Drury Lane. He popularised a more natural style of acting, and did much to make Shakespeare the most revered English playwright. First published in 1780 and reissued here in the second edition of that year, this two-volume biography was written by Thomas Davies (c.1712 85). Samuel Johnson, a friend of the Garrick family, notably provided Davies with anecdotes and information on Garrick's early life. The work does not dwell on gossip or private life; it offers...
The most influential actor of his age, David Garrick (1717 79) shaped the London stage for over three decades as theatre manager at Drury Lane. He pop...