With a handwritten (adapted) Hamlet quotation by the Author

Tynan, Kenneth ~ He That Plays the King – A View of the Theatre : Signed By The Author

Longmans, Green and Co Ltd., London : 1950

The First UK printing published by Longmans, Green and Co Ltd., London in 1950. 8vo., bright red cloth with contrasting painted black label to spine gilt; upper edge top-stained red; together in the unclipped pictorial wrapper (12/6 net to front flap) designed by R. A. Maynard; with black and white frontis photograph showing 'Akh-na-ton / The Prototype'; The BOOK near Fine, square and tight with light bumping to spine tips, and light spotting to the prelims/outer edges of the text block; The WRAPPER is in Very Good+ condition ; lightly spotted and toned, more-so to the lower panel, with some rubbing and a little loss to tips of spine and folds, but not affecting any lettering; A 3cm closed tear to the front flap fold. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. This copy has been signed and lined with an adapted Hamlet quotation by the author to the front blank end-paper : "Thou carest not to inoculate, our old stock but we shall, relish of it , Kenneth Tynan". The original Shakespeare quotation reads : You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I loved you not." (Hamlet Act 3, Scene 1). Tynan's first book and carries an 8 page 'An introductory letter to the author' by Orson Welles as the fore-word. Written by Tynan when he was just 23, which takes as its subject, heroic drama and acting, delving into the question of why audiences were beginning to turn away from hero worship. Tynan (1927-1980) loved Hamlet, having first played the lead role at the age of sixteen. Outspoken and flamboyant from an early age, and advocating repealing laws against homosexuality, he was hired as a theatre critic for the Evening Standard and the Observer, and became a fearsome reviewer. He was later appointed the new National Theatre Company's literary manager in 1963. An important contribution to dramatic criticism. Scarce with such attributes.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Near Fine
JACKET: Very Good+