DRYDEN, John The Indian Emperour; or, the Conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards

4to., 20th century binding of half brown sheepskin over rust-coloured cloth, spine lettered and dated vertically in gilt; pp. [viii], 60, [iv], containing an Epistle Dedicatory to Princess Anne, Duchess of Monmouth, a prologue, an epilogue, and a two-page printer’s catalogue to rear; a very good copy, some overall browning and occasional spot in accordance with age. Provenance: Duncan Grant’s ownership name in pencil to the ffep, dated 6th November 1946. 

An early edition of this heroic drama, first performed in the Spring of 1665, which concerns the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire under Hernán Cortés. Noted at the time especially for its lavish costumes, the original production included a "gorgeously feathered cloak" that Aphra Behn had brought back from Surinam, along with "glorious wreaths for...heads, necks, arms, legs." It was revived in 1667, with Nell Gwyn as Cydaria and Mary Knep in the role of Alibech.  Voltaire later borrowed from the play for his own drama, Alzire.  

This copy from the collection of influential American Literature professor Duncan Grant (1921-1969), who taught at Leeds University from 1960-1969. In his research capacity, he produced a series of papers on figures such as Sterne Dryden, Pope and James Thomson. 

SKU: 1800227