Our Recent Actors Being Recollections Critical, and, in Many Cases, Personal, of Late Distinguished Performers of Both Sexes

Love of the theatre began at an early age for John Westland Marston (1819–90), and developed into his life's work as a playwright, critic and literary figure of the Victorian era. He fell out of fashion and into poverty in the last years of his life, though Irving and other friends helped with a gala benefit performance of his most famous play. This two-volume work, published in 1888, is a tribute to the actors, plays and performances of his youth. Victorian dramatic works ranged through a variety of styles and genres, and Marston's recollections cover the wide area of theatrical culture in which he was involved. Volume 2 charts the growth of individual theatre companies including Sadler's Wells and Covent Garden, as well as recalling great actors such as Madame Vestris and Mademoiselle Rachel. The work offers an intimate insight into the growth and development of nineteenth-century theatre.

1. Mr Samuel Phelps; 2. The Sadler's Wells Company in general; 3. Miss Charlotte Cushman; 4. Mr John B. Buckstone, Mr Robert Keeley, and Mr Henry Compton; 5. Mr Sheridan Knowles; 6. Madame Vestris (Mrs. C. J. Mathews); 7. Mrs Nisbett (Lady Boothby); 8. Mr Charles Mathews; 9. Mr G. V. Brooke; 10. Mr Charles Dillon; 11. Mr Charles Fechter; 12. Mr Edward Askew Sothern; 13. Miss Lilian Adelaide Neilson; 14. Mr Alfred Wigan, and Mr F. Robson; 15. Mademoiselle Rachel; 16. General recollections.

Marston's 1888 tribute to drama, the theatre, and the actors who brought it to life in the Victorian era is a personal and informative account of experiences backstage and in the audience. The growth and development of the theatre 'industry' and the acting community is intimately portrayed.