The Whole Art of the Stage. Containing Not only the Rules of the Drammatick Art, but many curious Observations about it. Which may be of great use to the Authors, Actors, and Spectators of Plays. Together with much Critical Learning about the Stage and Plays of the Antients. Written in French by the command of Cardinal Richelieu. By Monsieur Hedelin, Abbot of Aubignac, and now made English

London: Printed for the Author, and sold by William Cadman, et. al., 1684. 8vo (8.875” x 6.5”), original brown calf, gilt black leather title piece at spine. [viii], 135, [1], 176 pp. Very occasional early pencil annotations throughout. CONDITION: Covers detached and heavily worn at corners; contents overall very good, somewhat rippled with occasional toning, spotting, and soiling, title leaf dampstained and soiled, chipped at edges. First English edition of this influential treatise on the theory and practice of drama—“a force in the formation of French Classical taste” (Britannica).