Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi, Edited by Boz. N & A Whitehead. Illustrations by Cruickshank. Routledge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 7, 2005 -- Nearing the end of his life in 1837, famed Clown and Pantomime artist Joseph Grimaldi put together his memoirs, or autobiography in today's language.

Shortly after completing it to the best of his limited literary ability, he then asked writer Thomas Egerton Wilks to go over the manuscript, which he did to the best of his ability. But time was short, Grimaldi was fading as each day went by, and there were still some things Wilks wanted to cover, but the great clown died before their business was concluded truly to satisfaction. But Wilks had enough to proceed, but then sold the work on to publisher Richard Bentley, who then commissioned Charles Dickens to complete the final publishable draft. This is why Dickens would only call himself editor of this, and not the author. From the first edition by Bentley in 1838, up until Edwardian times, there were many editions, and just as many printers, which saw the book progress from a two volume tome down to a single volume by 1846. The early editions had twelve illustrations by George Cruickshank, the later ones had only ten. The Routledge editions started off with additional adverts, which were then dropped, and then replaced later on. The provider of additional notes changed at the turn of the century. But here, is the edition Dickens envisaged would be forever, with Grimaldi's spirit, Wilks' early improving, Dickens' own final ediiting, and Whiteheads Notes, and of course, Cruickshank's illustrations which are truly magnificent. Other bonuses are the coloured sketch on the back cover of Grimaldi at his absolute peak, and Routledge's 10 adverts, especially drafted in here. There are several pages or replacement text from other editions, but the story is complete as per the original. Ignore the fact that this is a scanned copy, be thankful it is still with us. It is also a great read. Available in POD Hard copy or Download formats from Lulu.
John Haines, February, 2005