[Gutenberg 63327] • Chatterton

This compelling one-act tragedy in blank verse is based on the final hours of the life of poet Thomas Chatterton (1752-1770). Lacy skillfully wove what factual strands he could discover about Chatterton's life with creations of his own mind to construct this seamless romantic tragedy. One of the highlights of the play is a sonnet of Lacy's creation, rather than Chatterton's. A Boston critic wrote, "Finding nothing in the works of Chatterton that would be suited to give as it were, the whole secret of that fate-riven, yearning soul in so few lines, Mr. Lacy was moved to write the sonnet himself. It is an achievement that deserves more than passing notice.... It tastes of genius."

This illustrated edition includes an etching of actress Julia Marlowe as Chatterton. Michele Mollo provides an introduction summarizing Lacy's life and work as well as a commentary on the play.