Skip to content
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED | EXPERT ADVICE
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

The Memoirs of J. Decastro, Comedian.

Stock Code 107297

London, Sherwood, Jones, & Co., 1824

Original price $1,151.00 - Original price $1,151.00
Original price $1,151.00
$1,151.00
$1,151.00 - $1,151.00
Current price $1,151.00
This first edition from 1824 offers the memoirs of an early nineteenth-century circus comedian, with an overview of the life of Philip Astley, the 'father of the modern circus'.

Jacob Decastro (also spelled De Castro, 1758–1824) was an English comedian and Sephardi Jew, who started out as a mimic in traditional Purim plays. In 1786 he joined Philip Astley in a troupe known as 'Astley's Jews', later becoming manager of the Royal Theatre. He worked with Astley from 1786-1814.

First edition; 8vo; portrait frontispiece of Decastro, numerous plates throughout, 2 folding plates (birth certificate and circus scene), 2 short closed tears to circus plate facing p.44, some light offsetting, scattered light foxing; contemporary calf, gilt letting to spine, spine gilt in compartments, top edge gilt, others uncut, boards detached but present, corners slightly rubbed, marbled endpapers.

Provenance

Provenance: John Davis Parsons Jr. (bookplate to front pastedown).

Delivery

We offer secure and express delivery on all local and international orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website.

About us

Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.

Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.

We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

Read more

Ask us a question

The Memoirs of J. Decastro, Comedian.

DECASTRO, J[acob]; HUMPHRYS, R. (editor).

Stock code: 107297

$1,151.00

THE BOND STREET EXPERIENCE

An exceptional experience in the heart of London’s Mayfair for not only seasoned collectors but those considering purchasing their first rare book or print.

Guaranteed Authenticity
GUARANTEED AUTHENTICITY
International Delivery
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Meet Our Booksellers
MEET OUR BOOKSELLERS
Free Gift Wrapping
FREE GIFT WRAPPING

BOOK COLLECTING IDEAS

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping

Basket