Dingley

rif. 352609 — Softcover. Near Fine. A collection of 11 unpublished playscripts by Henry Dingley Coolidge 1858-1922. The scripts are all individually bradbound in wrappers and laid into a tan cloth chemise. All are near fine with some wear at the extremities and a bit of toning in a near fine lightly rubbed chemise. Coolidge a direct descendant of Mayflower pilgrim William White served as clerk for the Massachusetts Senate for 33 years. His interest in literary pursuits was well known and noted in a senate resolution upon his sudden death in 1922 but during his lifetime he published just two books: Manual for the Use of the General Court and Dead Reckoning: A Farce. The one-act playscripts offered here are unpublished and were preserved by Coolidge's son whose name and address are written on a paper label on the front pastedown of the chemise along with a list of titles. Though most of the plays are straightforward dramas and comedies several venture into the supernatural such as: Mary Be You a Witch based on the Salem witch trails; Haunted a story on spiritual possession that ends tragically; and The House of Fearsome Peril about a homicidal hypnotist. An interesting collection of unpublished plays from the turn of the century. Further details available upon request. unknown books