Memoirs Of Joseph Grimaldi

CONTENTS.

Introductory Chapter ............page v

CHAPTER I.

His Grandfather and father—His Birth and first appearance at
Drury Lane Theatre and at Sadler's Wells—His Father's severity
—Miss Farren—The Earl of Derby and the Wig—the Fortune-box
and Charity's reward—His Father's pretended Death, and the beha-
viour of himself and his brother thereupon.......1

CHAPTER II.

1788 to 1794.

The Father's real Death—His Will, and failure of the Executor
— Generous conduct of Grimaldi's Schoolmaster, and of Mr.
Wroughton the Comedian—Smart running against time—Kind-
ness of Sheridan — Grimaldi's industry and amusements — Fly-
catching—Expedition in search of the " Dartford Blues "—Mrs.
Jordan—Adventure on Clapham Common: the piece of Tin—His
first love and its consequences...........24

CHAP TEE III.

1794 to 1797.

Grimaldi falls in Love—His success—He meets with an accident
which brings the Reader acquainted with that invaluable specific
" Grimaldi's Embrocation "—He rises gradually in his Profession—
The Pentonville Gang of Burglars..........40

CHAPTER IT.

1797 to 1798.

The Thieves make a second attempt; alarmed by their perse-
verance, Grimaldi repairs to Hatton Garden—Interview with Mr,
Trott; ingenious device of that gentleman, and its result on the
third visit of the Burglars—Comparative attractions of Pantomimes not had the heart to reduce it further.