Collection context
Background
- Scope and content:
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The Scripts Collection of the Department of Special Collections consists primarily of 19th and early 20th century American and British acting editions. Various genres are included-comedies, Ethiopian sketches, farces, melodramas, musical comedies, pantomimes, and tragedies, among others.
The bulk of these items are in their original wrappers representing editions of many publishers including Baker, DeWitt, Dicks, French, Lacy, Lea, Penn, and Spencer. In addition, there are some 20th century anthologies and unpublished manuscripts.
Although the vast majority of the scripts are clean copies, there are a few prompt copies and others that are inscribed with signatures, cast members' names, dates, and textual markings.
These scripts are acquired to preserve an historical record, to provide samples of theatrical fare representative of the time and period covered, and to offer unique items which may be considered primary source material.
The Scripts Collection is an "open" collection with additions sought from donors and sellers alike. The collection contains in excess of 1600 titles representing approximtely 850 authors.
Authorities used for authors' names are: English Drama of the Nineteenth Century: An Index and Finding Guide, compiled and edited by James Ellis; Nineteenth-Century American Drama, by Donald L. Hixon and Don A. Hennessee; and English Drama 1900-1930, by Allardyce Nicoll.
- Physical location:
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Special Collections Department.
- Physical description:
- 26 linear feet in 26 boxes
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
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University of California, Davis, Special Collections, UC Davis Library100 NW QuadDavis, CA 95616-5292, US
- Contact:
- (530) 752-1621