Richard of Bordeaux. A Play in two acts

Second impression, April 1933, a month after the first. Signed twice by John Gielgud, once on half-title "John Gielgud" and also on the front free endpaper "John Gielgud: Richard of Bordeaux New Theatre 1933". Also signed on the front free endpaper by other members of the cast: Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies, Richard Ainley, Henry Mollison and Walter Hudd.


From the library of ballerina Ludi Horenstein (also known as Ludmila Mlada) with her two different bookplates; one as Rosemary Young, the other as Ludi Horenstein. Also with her ink name on title-page The text has numerous pencil notes, largely alterations to the printed text. These are in a slightly childish hand and we presume them to be by the youthful hand of Rosemary Young who would have been 14 at the time.Richard of Bordeaux was dedicated to John Gielgud and it was a key production in his early career, both as an actor and director:


"My own first West End success as a director came in 1933 with Richard of Bordeaux, a new historical play written by Gordon Daviot. Gordon Daviot was a pseudonym for a lady called Elizabeth Mackintosh who came from Inverness and had written several successful thrillers and novels under various names. The first night, on February 2nd 1933 at the New Theatre, did not seem particularly successful, but there was another important opening on the same evening. Then the first matinee was suddenly sold out and the play became a tremendous hit. In fact, I had the greatest 'fan' success of my whole career. Crowds mobbed me at the stage door. Richard of Bordeaux was a big stepping stone in my career." (John Gielgud An Actor and his Time)

8vo., original cloth (without dust wrapper). Paper label on spine with a small chip. A very good copy.

Sold with a copy of the programme for the 1933 New Theatre production (this creased from folding)