Description

CRAIG, Edward Gordon (1872-1966). Towards a New Theatre. Forty Designs for Stage Scenes with Critical Notes. London and Toronto; J.M. Dent & Sons, 1913.Large 4to. Title printed in red and black. 40 plates. Original cloth, gilt-stamped on front cover, and spine, top edge gilt (joints cracked, spine repaired and chipped with some loss). FIRST EDITION illustrating Craig's work as a set designer from 1900 to 1910. The illegitimate son of the famous Victorian stage actress, Ellen Terry, Craig spent much of his childhood at the Lyceum Theatre and after a brief stint as an actor, developed an interest in theatrical design. Craig was responsible for numerous advances in stage design, including the use of mobile screens as staging devices, and the idea of lighting the stage from above rather than with footlights.