Memoirs of J. Decastro, Comedian

Jacob Decastro; R Humphreys; Jacob De castro

Sherwood, Jones, & Co., 1824

[The Origins of the Modern Circus] Bound in early 19th century, 3/4 red morocco.  Gilt spine and gilt ruled. Good binding and cover. Collated: (i)-xx, (1)-279, (1) pages.  Frontispiece portrait + 2 folding plates (including the certificate of birth and a circus scene). 

This 1824 volume offers the memoirs of an early 19th-century circus comedian, with an overview of the life of Philip Astley, the "father of the modern circus.  "In the course of them will be given anecdotes of various eminently distinguished characters: Dr. Johnson, Garrick, Foote, accompanied by an analysis of the life of the late Philip Astley. Also an accompanying History of the Royal circus, now the Surrey theatre ; and an historical Sketch of Sadler's Wells. Likewise scarce theatrical advertisements, from Garrick's first attempt in Goodman's-Fields." 

Jacob Decastro was an English comedian and Sephartic Jew.  He got his start as a mimic in traditional Purim plays.  In 1786 he joined Philip Astley in a troupe known as "Astley's Jews".  He later became manager of the Royal Theater.  He worked with Astley from 1786 - 1814.  "His Memoirs casts light on English Jewish life." - Dictionary of Jewish Biography, 50 p.  See also: A. Rubens, Anglo-Jewish Portraits (1935), 20f.; A.M. Hyamson, Sephardim of England (19512), 113, 115.