LAURENCE S. B. IRVING - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/10/1911 - HFSID 304551

LAURENCE S. B. IRVING
He promises a typewritten response to points raised about Hamlet and other matters, assuming the reader will appreciate that, "especially with the experience of my calligraphy before you."
Autograph Letter signed: "Laurence Irving" in blue ink, 1p, 5¼x8¼ affixed to slightly larger sheet.The Duke of York's Theatre [London], 1911 November 10. On letterhead of the Duke of York Theatre, Laurence Irving, Manager. To "Dear Mr. Balfour". In full: "Your letter interested me very much, expressed very [illegible phrase] same as regards 'Hamlet'. I must answer you on them at length. For that reason I will next make my replies typewritten. I suppose you would prefer typewritten, especially with the experience of my calligraphy before you. I remain sincerely yours". Laurence S. B. Irving (1871-1914), the son of famed English actor Henry Irving, spent three years in Russia as a diplomat before pursuing an acting career himself. He joined Frank Benson's Shakespeare Company in 1893. He married actress Mabel Hackney, and the couple appeared on stage together in several plays, including The Three Daughters of M DuPont and The Incubus. Irving became a noted playwright, using his experience in Russia to good effect in The Unwritten Law (an adaptation of Crime and Punishment), Peter the Great (1898), and Typhoon (set in the Russo-Japanese War, a big success when he toured Australia with Mabel Hackney). The couple died in the sinking of The Empress of Ireland in the St. Lawrence River (May 1914), which remains one of Canada's worse peacetime maritime disasters. Irving had apparently reached a place of safety, but returned to the water in an attempt to rescue Mabel. Multiple folds. Toned. Light surface creases. Staple holes on left margin. Corners slightly worn and creased. Pencil notes (unknown hand) on verso. Light surface creases throughout. Small stain to left of signature and bottom edge. Otherwise, fine condition.