SURREY

The Dictionary of National Biography states that T. J. Dibdin (1771-1841, closely associated with Sadler's Wells, Drury Lane and the Surrey Theatre) wrote 'nearly two thousand songs and about two hundred operas and plays'. This list, which covers the whole of his life from his earliest known work in 1789 to his death in 1841, is compiled with considerable care on the rectos and some of the versos of 79 bound and numbered leaves (most being the letterhead of the North-East Coast Exhibition, of which E. Rimbault Dibdin was the Director).

Octavo. 16 pages. Disbound pamphlet from the Churchill Babington collection. Good, but with first and last pages somewhat grubby.

English judge and Tory politician (1816-88; DNB). Both letters 3 pages, 16mo, and both in good condition. Interesting letters giving his views on an important matter.

These illustrations are marvellously evocative of the period before Croydon was ruined architecturally. Suitable for framing. They are photographic, in black and white, and approximately 7 inches by 9 1/2 inches, on sheets of paper approximately 10 1/2 inches by 13. Dusty and with a little spotting but in good condition overall. Captions read: 'NORTHERN END OF MIDDLE ROW'; 'HIGH STREET FROM WHITGIFT'S HOSPITAL'; 'BUTCHER ROW, SURREY STREET'; 'MIDDLE ROW, LOOKING SOUTH'; 'THE TOWN HALL, 1890'; 'INTERIOR OF THE TOWN HALL.

Actor and lessee of the Surrey Theatre (1774-1831; DNB). The recipient is the songwriter and dramatist Thomas John Dibdin (1771-1841; DNB). 2¼ inches by 4¼. Creased, grubby and with a closed tear not affecting signature. Reads 'meeting. - | Yrs | Dr Sir | very truly | R W Elliston | To | Thos Dibdin | &c &c &c'.