2-969-932 - /Heritage Images

Scene from the New Play of "The First Printer", at the Princess' Theatre, 1856. London stage production: '...the second act...the two principal characters - the hero and the evil genius of the piece - Laurence Costar (Mr. Charles Kean), and John of Gutenberg (Mr. [John] Ryder). Costar, in the simplicity and confidence of his soul, has just divulged the secret of his printing-press to his crafty compeer; and the two are making impressions of a revolutionary document which the former has undertaken to copy. It is in this portion of the performance that Costar bequeaths the art of printing to mankind, and, prophet-like, foresees the manifold blessings that will result from it. Our Artist has represented Mr. Kean in the act of delivering the impassioned address on fame, which has occasioned so much encomium in the press and in private circles'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.