The Masque. A Theatre Notebook [A complete run of 9 Numbers]

Edited by Lionel Carter. Contributions by Ivor Brown, Laurence Whistler, Cecil Beaton, James Agate, James Laver, Christopher Hassall, Anthony Curtis and Sacheverell Sitwell.

The Curtain Press Ltd. London. 1946-1949. First editions. 9 volumes in wrappers. All housed in two slipcases with paper covers designed by Joan Hassall. No. 1 with 16 pages, increasing to No. 9 with 60 pages. Colour and b&w illustrations throughout, including one tipped-in colour plate in No. 9. Illustrations reproducing designs by Rex Whistler, Cecil Beaton, Charles Ricketts, Inigo Jones, Roger Furse, et al. Woodcut engravings and decorations by Joan Hassall English. 195 x 130mm. 0.6kg. . Near fine; a very smart set, slight wear to slipcases with some light toning to edges.

A complete run of the 9 numbers of the theatre periodical. The Masque was a post-War publication designed to keep its readers abreast of the latest developments in contemporary theatre. It begun with the intention to devote each issue to a review and illustrations of a recent play, therefore No. 1 is devoted to Laurence Olivier's production of King Lear at The Old Vic. This intention did not hold and No. 2 is dedicated to Rex Whistler's designs for theatre, as are Nos. 4 and 7. The periodical only ran for 9 issues and there are signs by No. 9 that it was flagging - "An Apology : We would apologize to subscribers for the lateness in publication of this issue, but we hope to arrange for more frequent publication in the future.". The complete run of issues are: No. 1. The Old Vic. King Lear No. 2. Designs for the Theatre by Rex Whistler (Part 1) No. 3. Oscar Wilde and the Theatre No. 4. Designs for the Theatre by Rex Whistler (Part 2) No. 5. The Masque of Christmas No. 6. Notes on the Verse Drama No. 7. Designs for the Theatre by Rex Whistler (Part 3) No. 8. New Developments in the French Theatre No. 9. Theatrical Figures in Porcelain