Shakespeare volumes with intriguing interest
WE have in our possession an almost complete set of William Shakespeare plays published by William Heineman in the early 1900s.
They are not considered to have any significant value as books but they seem to have an intriguing local interest.
Nearly all are signed by someone whose name appears to be C Harry Skillington.
A little bit of research has revealed a gentleman of that name was a prominent local figure in the last century who was the author of several books on Leicestershire history.
If one and the same, he also had more than a passing interest in the theatre and Shakespeare performances.
In several of these books there are critical notations and, interestingly, a cast list of three or four performances at Leicester theatres in the early 1900s by the touring Shakespeare company which was led by Sir Henry Irving and featuring notably his leading lady Miss Ellen Terry. These productions are dated 1904. If there are any relatives of Mr Skillington who think maybe a member of their family was the original owner of these books or indeed anyone who belongs to a literary or historical society who would like to learn more about these writings and the possible author, please contact me on 0116 260 6148 and leave your name and contact number on my answer phone.
Peter Fox, Syston