Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ... a general view suggests a history before Henslowe came into contact with it at all. Moreover, there is nothing in the Diary itself to neutralize the supposition that it has only a chance or accidental beginning. It is true that the marriage of Alleyn with Henslowe's step-daughter in October, 1592, suggests a reason for starting the book; but, on the other hand, the earliest entries in point of time begin in February, 1592, and there is nothing to show that the partnership between Henslowe and Alleyn began subsequently to the marriage. The marriage may have come about in consequence of the partnership. If so, the record, if any existed, is lost. In short, the Diary appears to have no significance in its commencement, and may have been preceded by some other book of record. The dramatic predispositions of Newington Butts have been indicated. There is, outside the Diary of Henslowe, at least one record of plays there, viz., in 1586--the very year Henslowe was contemplating the construction of his Rose Theatre. It is noted in the register of the privy council in that year that their lordships had desired the lord mayor, in pursuance of representations made by him in the matter, to restrain and prohibit plays within the city, ' and that their Lord-shippes have taken the like order for the prohibiting of the use of playes at the Theatre and th' other places about Newington out of his charge.' Again, Howes, in his ' Continuation of Stow's Annals, ' 1631, concludes an enumeration of London theatres built during sixty years previous by adding, ' besides one in former time at Newington Buts.' The next point to note is the evidence of Henslowe having lived in the Clink liberty in I577;t how long he may have lived there Halliwell-Phillipps, '.
