Lucius, the First Christian King of Britain. A Tragedy. As it is Acted at the Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane de MANLEY, DELARIVIER - 1717

London: Printed for John Barber and Sold by Benj. Tooke, Henry Clements and John Walthoe, 1717, 1717. First edition. ESTC T38771; NCBEL II, 767. First and final leaves a bit smudged; early paper repair to the lower margin of the verso of the title-page; very good copy.. 4to, 19th century half vellum, marbled paper boards, black morocco spine label, gilt lettering. The last of three plays by Delarivier Manley (1663-1724), who was well known for her roman à clef fictionalized memoirs. The is plot is loosely based on the reign of Lucius, the last king of Rome, and his powerful wife Queen Rosalinda, who lives to triumph over the schemes of numerous evildoers. Manley dedicated the play to Richard Steele, who paid her £600 for the right to produce it. As well, he wrote a preface "expressing my gratitude to the Ladies," and prologue. The epilogue is by Matthew Prior. Bound for T. Connolly, Bookseller of Dublin, with his booksellers' ticket on the front paste-down.