The Memoirs of J. Decastro, Comedian.

£900 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

This first edition from 1824 offers the memoirs of an early nineteenth-century circus comedian, with an overview of the life of Philip Astley, the 'father of the modern circus'. Jacob Decastro (also spelled De Castro, 1758–1824) was an English comedian and Sephardi Jew, who started out as a mimic in traditional Purim plays. In 1786 he joined Philip Astley in a troupe known as 'Astley's Jews', later becoming manager of the Royal Theatre. He worked with Astley from 1786-1814. First edition; 8vo; portrait frontispiece of Decastro, numerous plates throughout, 2 folding plates (birth certificate and circus scene), 2 short closed tears to circus plate facing p.44, some light offsetting, scattered light foxing; contemporary calf, gilt letting to spine, spine gilt in compartments, top edge gilt, others uncut, boards detached but present, corners slightly rubbed, marbled endpapers.

• Binding: Hardcover

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