Edward the Black Prince or, the Battle of Poictiers. An historical tragedy... Adapted for theatrical representation as performed at the Theatre-Royal, Drury-Lane. Regulated from the prompt-books...

Bookseller Notes

The frontispiece shows Kemble in the title role, engraved by Philp Audinet, a pupil of John Hall's, and according to a pencil note, this is a proof copy. This also appeared in 'Bell's British Theatre', but is recorded separately in ESTC, in 7 copies, 2 in the UK, 3 in the US, and 2 in the Antipodes. Hall, like Audinet, was a long-time contributor to Bell's British Theatre. 'Edward the Black Prince appeared at Drury Lane on 6 January 1750, with David Garrick in the part of Edward and Spranger Barry as the French nobleman, Lord Ribemont. Opinions were mixed: the audience mostly applauded, while groaning at the hackneyed love scenes; others found it dull and considered it to be an unsuitable vehicle for an actor such as Garrick' (ODNB). A biographical note here before the text is frankly disparaging of Shirley's merits as a playwright. 'Mr. Shirley, we had almost forgot to mention, intended the play which follows, to resemble the tragedy of Shakespeare.'