DEEP: Database of Early English Playbooks

1630 Massinger, Philip The Picture

Reference Information

DEEP #: 756
Greg #: 436a(*1*2)
STC/Wing #: 17640
Record Type: Single-Play Playbook
Play Type: Adult Professional
Genre (Annals): Tragicomedy
 
Book Edition: 1
Play Edition: 1
Format: Quarto
Leaves: 50
Date of First Publication: 1630
Date of First Production: 1629 [licensed for stage, Jun 8]
Company of First Production: King's Men
Company Attribution: King's Men
 
Total Editions: 1 quarto
 
Variants: There are two groups of variant states in this edition, one affecting the title page and the outer sheet I. The title page exists in two states, with slight differences in spelling and formatting: Greg 436a(*1) calls the play "A TRAGÆCOMÆDJE"; Greg 436a(†1) calls it "A TRAGECOMEDIE." For sheet I, the typography of Greg 436a(*2) resembles that of neighboring sheets; in Greg 436a(†2), the type of the RT is smaller, and roman capitals frequently appear in italic speakers’ names. The title page and sheet I variants occur independently of each other and thus, in individual copies, can be found mixed together in different combinations. See also Greg 436a(*1, †2); 436a(†1*2); 436a(†1, †2)

Title-Page Features

Title: THE PICTVRE A TRAGÆCOMÆDJE,
Author: Written by Philip Massinger.
Performance: As it was often presented with good allowance, at the Globe, and Blackefriers play-houses, by the Kings Maiesties seruants.
Imprint: LONDON. Printed by I. N. for Thomas Walkley and are to be sould at his shoppe at the Eagle and Child in Brittains Burse. 1630.

Paratextual Material

Dedication: "The Epistle" to: the Inner Temple; from: Philip Massinger [A3r]
Commendatory Verses: 1: by "Thomas Iay" [A4r]
Character List: "Dramatis personæ" [A2v]
Actor List: "The Actors names" [A2v]

Stationer Information

Printer: Norton, John (2)
Publisher: Walkley, Thomas
Imprint Location: X.10 (Westminster - Britain's Burse)
Entries in Stationers' Register: Aug 8, 1634: Transferred from Thomas Walkley to John Waterson: "a TragiComedy called the Picture written by Mr Messinger".