The Life of Mrs. Jordan; Including Original Private Correspondcence, and Numerous Anecdotes of Her Contemporaries
London: Edward Bull, 1831. First Edition. Octavo. Item #019589
In two volumes, extra-illustrated with 36 extra-plates and portrait of which one is in color and one is folding of with protective oversheets (paper not tissue) Handsomely bound in 3/4 brown morocco over marbled paper covered boards, raised bands with compartments lettered and decorated in gilt. all edges gilt. A fine fresh set with frontispiece to volume I nearly detached. Dorothy Jordan (1761-1816), Actress; mistress of William IV Dorothy Jordan (Mrs. Jordan) (Dorothea Phillips) made her theatrical debut in England and was quickly hailed as London's leading comic actress. In 1790 she became mistress to the Duke of Clarence, afterwards King William IV. Despite the high-society scandal of their relationship, the actress and the Duke lived together for twenty contented years in which she bore him ten illegitimate children. She continued to act, often supporting the profligate Duke from her impressive income. Their life together ended cruelly in 1811 with the advent of the Regency and William's search for an official bride. [National Portrait Gallery].
Price: $750.00