Add MS 43484

GEORGE SMITH MEMORIAL BEQUEST. Vol. XI (ff. 76). 'The Wolves and the Lamb', a play in two Acts, by William Makepeace Thackeray; the autograph manuscript, written probably in 1854 (certainly submitted for theatrical performance in March 1855; see The Letters and Private Papers of William Makepeace Thackeray, ed. Gordon N. Ray, 1945, ii, nos. 1106, 1107). The original title, 'A Shom Lamb' (f. 1), is crossed through, the present title being substituted below. The manuscript is written in both Thackeray's upright (ff. 1-14, 20-24, 27-29, 31-37) and sloping (ff. 15-19, 30, 38-76) hand; ff. 25, 26 are in the autograph of Thackeray's younger daughter, Harriet. Alterations are throughout in the upright hand. Compositors' names and gathering-signatures (in red pencil) show that the manuscript was used as printers' copy; the signatures (see 33 d on f. 27, 48 e on f. 43, and 65 f on f. 58), however, indicate that it was not used for the text of the Library Edition published posthumously in 1869 (vol. xxii), its first recorded publication, but point to a relationship with the text in Add. MS. 46913, which appears to be a privately printed edition of the play set up by Smith, Elder and Co., perhaps for Thackeray's use at a performance of it at the house-warming party given at Palace Green, 24, 25 Feb. 1862. Paper. Large quarto. A.D. 1854?

William Makepeace Thackeray, novelist: 'The Wolves and the Lamb': [1854?].: Autogr.

Drama: W. M. Thackeray, 'The Wolves and the Lamb': [?1854].: Autogr.

includes:

• ff. 25, 26 Harriet Thackeray, younger daughter of William Makepeace Thackeray; afterwards wife of Sir Leslie Stephen: Wrote,: [1854?].