Bunn, Alfred:

$450 · Offered by William Reese Company

OLD ENGLAND AND NEW ENGLAND, IN A SERIES OF VIEWS TAKEN ON THE SPOT. Alfred Bunn was a theatrical manager who, according to the DNB, "is best remembered on account of his literary feuds." At various times he was the manager of the Birmingham, Drury Lane, and Covent Garden theatres, resulting in failure and much controversy. He also attempted to establish English opera. His term of management at Drury Lane ended in 1848, and he died of apoplexy in 1860. The present work is not mentioned in the DNB's biographical sketch of Bunn, but it is evidently based on American travels made between 1848 and 1853. It is a curious blend of historical fact, humor, and sarcasm, with chapters devoted to the American stage, Boston, New York, American hotels, slavery (with reference to UNCLE TOM'S CABIN), and various historical figures. Despite the title, Bunn's travels were not limited to New England. There is much material relating to New York, both the city and state, and one trip took him as far south as Washington, D.C.

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