Upon all these subjects the Companion is conversant, although he
does not set up for Sir Oracle, or shake his head like Burleigh. In
short, he tells of "many things," from the cart of Thespis and the Roman
theatres, with their 6,000 singers and dancers, to the companies on the
present stages.
Thus, we have the Origin of the Drama--Rise of the Drama in
England--Early English Theatres--Descriptions of all the London
Theatres--and a pleasant chapter on the Italian Opera. The Appendix
contains pithy chronologies of the dramatists and actors, bygone
and contemporary--origin of all the varieties of the drama--the
topography of the stage and scenery, costume--expenses of the
theatres--masquerades--play-bills and editions of plays, and a host
of theatrical customs. In truth, the book is as full as the tail of a
fine lobster, and will doubtless repay the time and research which its
preparation must have occupied. There is also a, frontispiece of the
fronts of the twelve London Theatres.
* * * * *
ORNITHOLOGY.
Mr. James Jennings has favoured us with a copy of his _Ornithologia;
or the Birds_, a poem; with copious _Notes;_ &c. The latter
portion is to us the most interesting, especially as it contains an
immense body of valuable research into the history and economy of birds,
in a pleasant, piquant, anecdotical style, without any of the quaintness
or crabbedness of scientific technicality.
Pages:
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36