Publisher's Synopsis
William Bodham Donne (1807-1882) was an English journalist, known also as a librarian and theatrical censor. In 1852 Donne declined the editorship of the Edinburgh Review, but the same year he accepted the librarianship of the London Library. In 1857 he resigned to become Examiner of Plays, in succession to his friend Kemble, a post in the Lord Chamberlain's Office, where he had previously acted as Kemble's deputy. He held the position till 1874, when he was succeeded by E. F. S. Pigott. From 1865 the Examiner of Plays, in company with the Inspector of Theatres (an appointed architect) began to visit backstage areas. Donne gave evidence in 1866 to a parliamentary committee, on his duties in the Lord Chamberlain's Office.
