Revised Release with correct image for Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi

February 12, 2005 (Press Release) -- In 1837, the famed clown Joseph Grimaldi offered the manuscript of his autobiography to writer Thomas Egerton Wilks for checking over. It soon became clear that it was not good enough for publication in this form, and so Wilks offered his services to tidy the manuscript up. This even required several lengthy meetings between the two to go over what was written, and to glean additional information. Although this side of the editing process had not concluded to either's satisfaction, Grimaldi's health, which had been poor for some time, worsened, and sadly the great clown died before the last few meetings could take place. But Wilks still had enough in the draft to proceed. But even he was not happy with his own revision, and sold the manuscript on to publisher Richard Bentley. Enter one Charles Dickens, who agreed to do the final editing, which he did indeed do, and more, and in 1838 the book was finally published by Richard Bentley. As the years went by, there were many, many editions, many publishers, many printers. But the book eventually evolved down from a two volume tome with 12 illustrations by George Cruickshank to a single volume with 10 illustrations.Also, as time went by, it acquired a co-editor of sorts in the form of Charles Whitehead, who provided Notes and Revisions. The later editions by Routledge & Co, London, added adverts, later removed them, then replaced them. The final edition 'of the age' for want of a better phrase, even acquired a new Reviser. This was in 1901. There was still occasional new editions over the years, but the one of note was a further and serious revision by the foremost authority on Grimaldi, Richard Findlater, whose revised edition was published in 1968, with many inaccuracies and archaic grammar duly jettisoned.
But this, here and now, concerns breathing new life into the spirit of the Victorian age, into the yellowing sepia-tinged words of Grimaldi and his willing host of co-authors and editors, Dickens included. This is why I have scanned an original 1854 edition by Routledge, and added the adverts from other editions, and used the stunning colour sketch of Grimaldi as 'Clown' in 'Mother Goose' on the back cover. The remaining books from the Victorian and Edwardian eras will fade and disappear. This new edition, in both hard copy and download format will not. I'm sure Grimaldi and Dickens would be thanful for the Internet, and I'm sure the increasing number of online readers will continue to be thankful for Grimaldi and Dickens. For those who go on and purchase this copy, please note, the need for High Resolution means the downloading time is anything up to an hour. The preview takes from 1/4 to 1/2 an hour. But patience has its own virtue, and you will not be disappointed. Please follow the book and image links below. John Haines