| |
| Id |
36494 |
| Category |
antiquarian book |
| Author / Composer |
ADDISON, Joseph (1672-1719) |
| Title |
The Spectator, Numb. V, Tuesday, March 6, 1711. |
| Place |
London |
| Publisher |
Printed for Sam. Buckley |
| Publication Date |
1711 |
| ISBN / Plate No. |
|
| Series |
|
| Size |
4to. 305 x 187mm. |
| Description |
Single sheet, printed on both sides, with two columns of text per page. This issue of The Spectator was produced by Joseph Addison with the quote 'Spectatum admissi risum teneatis?' from Horace at the head. It includes Addison's reaction to the first run of Handel's Rinaldo, and various advertisements: "... Upon his asking him what he had upon his Shoulder, he told him, that he had been buying Sparrows for the Opera. Sparrows for the Opera, says his Friend, licking his Lips, what are they to be roasted? No, no, says the other, they are to enter towards the end of the first Act, and to fly about the Stage. This strange Dialogue awakened my Curiosity so far that I immediately bought the Opera, by which means I perceived that the Sparrows were to act the part of Singing Birds in a delightful Grove: though upon a nearer Enquiry I found the Sparrows put the same Trick upon the Audience, that Sir Martin Mar-all practiced upon his Mistress; for, though they flew in Sight, the Musick proceeded from a Consort of Flagellets and Bird-calls which was planted behind the Scenes… [...] In the mean time, to find out a more agreeable Entertainment for the Winter-Season, the Opera of Rinaldo is filled with Thunder and Lightning, Illuminations, and Fireworks; which the Audience may look upon without catching Cold, and indeed without much Danger of being burnt; for there are several Engines filled with Water, and ready to play at a Minute's Warning, in case any such Accident should happen. However, as I have a very great Friendship for the Owner of this Theatre, I hope that he has been wise enough to insure his House before he would let this Opera be acted in it". |
| Reference |
ESTC P1724. |
| Price |
£75.00 |
|
