New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-06-22
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
NGrR.s LIFE OF EDWIN FORREST.

volumes as an illustration OF broad principles OF
buman character rather than with reference to per-
sonai details which relate merely 10 the hfe and eN-
perence of the individual Mr.. Forrest by the
pentnde and exuherance of bis vitality the massive
force Of his physical nature the bodness and empha-
sis Of his mental endowments, his imperious and
dominant viii, and his wild Berserker-like energy
of action presents fertile theme TO the philosophc
biorraphcr. requiring for its successful handling
breadth aud conpreheusivencss of conception,
Eeenness and dclicacy Of discrimination, freedom
from Phs;inic prcjudices and power OF subtle ana
vigorous misunderstanding, which only by stroke
OF rare good fortune can be combined in a single
writer. The author OF this work has shown himself
singularly fitted for the undertaking. 1t affords
striking example OF admirable literary accomplish
ment Mr.. Alger exhibits in it's pages the thorough
ness the amplitude of statement the completeness
of detail the profoundness of reflection, and the con-
scientiousness of execution which have made each
of his previous writings a model Of it's kind IN
American literature. Indeed it might almost be
objected 70 the present biography that it sometimes
appears too elaborate, too painstaking OF too ex-
baustive character and too opueBt and Impressive
in it's dction for the best practical effect. But MIR
Alger has managed the difficulties of the subject
with such remarkable skill that it has lost nothing
of popular interest II his book is occasionally bur
dened with an excess Of scholarship, its fine de-
scriptive power and frequent dramatic coorng will
render it attractive to the majority of readers aud
insure ITS wide and instant circulation.
The early life of Mr. Forrest, as depicted by his
biographer exhibits foretase of the qualities which
signalizcd his character at later period OF his ca
reor lie was born in Philadelphia in 1906. his
father was a respectable ScOtehman. who had emf
grated to this country, and established himself in
mercantile business, in which, however. he did net
meet with success. and became clerk i'll the old
United states Bank and afterwards held similar
post in the bank of stephen Girard. AT the time OF
his DEATH he was deeply involved in debt, and left
his family quite destitute. The mother Of Forrest
was a native OF Philadelphia, of German descent OH
both sides, and woman Of high principles and eX-
cellent character Although OF foreign parentage'
Edwin was a thoIoughgoing American from his ear
hest boyhood lie cherished the most intense SYM
pathies with the democratic genius of our iustitu
TONS and exaggerated contempt for the arlsto-
cratic classes and usages of the Old World.
In spite of the pecUniary circumstances OF the
family Forrest was intended by his parents for
liberal education and professional career. 1t was
their desire 10 train him for the ministry. for which
he seemed especially adapted by his natural endow-
nents. He early displayed remarkable GIFT OF eio-
cution. His voice sweet and expressive, OF
great power and free from mannerisms i'll its accent
and infection. When he visited his brother, who
was employed in taBnery, the workmen would
often lift him upon stone table designed for dress
ing leather listen to the rotations of the youthful
orator aud reward him with their applause. For
several years his taste for dramatic expression had
directed his attention to the stage lilo had pas
sonate love for theatrical entertainments, and never
failed TO attend the theater when he had chance
With other boys of his age, he formed IheSplan
club and devoted much Of his time to the perform
ances. They often acted plays in q woodshed fitted
up for the purpose, TO an eager audience OF Their
he uTica al
sometimes a few pins. and at other times an apple or
bunch Of raisins Even as a boy, he was quick III
quarrel, and always ready for a street fight His
wrath against those who had wronged him knew no
bounds and he was to ayenge an injury with
the tenaclty OF a savage.
The first appearance OF Forrest the stage was at
Gle Walnut street lheater in Philadelphia. He
made his debut on the 9th of November 1920 IN
the character of NOryal His success was decisive.
The result OF the experiment fixed his resolution for
life About two years after ne formed an engagement
with a travelling company from Cincinnati and
Pittsburgh in the hope of devOtng himself entirely
TO the theatrical profession. Zone small and hum
BILE trunk held ali his eects-a very scant wardrobe,
n few tI1hiug keePsakes, Bible, the gift OF ms
mother; an edition of Shakespeare IN one cheap
volume, Walkers Classical Pronouncing Dictionary,
and little collection of plays IN pamphlet FORM
Joining the company which Collins and Jones had
and female they regarded one another with mutual
interest and with that Intuitive reading of charac
Ter which their professional art bestOws, they III an
amazingly short time were intimately acquainted,
aud quite prepared to share adventures, condolences,
and lives Besides Collins and Jones' there were eros
horn. Scott Ebere leader of the orchestra, Lucas,
scene painter, Henderson, stage manager, Davis,
Mrs Pelby, Mrs. Riddle, Miss Fenton, Miss sahe
Riddle and Miss Eliza Riddle Several of these not
only had varied and ripe experience of the stage but
were also highly distn guished for their talents and
accomplishments. This was especially the case with
Mrs Pelby and Mrs. Riddle" Forrest at once be-
came a prominent object of attention III the
company. livery member was deeply IN
terested in the young asprant, and was
prompt to aid him with counsel and instruc-
ton. At Lexington, XIV, he made the ac-
quainiance of the late President HOley, one OF the
most consumInate pulpit orators Of his day, and
man OF aesthetic tastes and genius far i'll advance OF
his contemporaries. His influence on Forrest was of !
a marked character. he was so much impressed
with the performances of the young actor, that he
sought him out and held several long interviews
with him. Offering him the most cheerful encourage
Inent in his new vocation. This contact with the
veteran preacher formed a turning point in the
career of the player. President HOlley urged him
to restrain his taste for comic and farcical
parts, and soon as possible to cease ap-
bearing in such characters. He strove 10 iul-
press him with deeper sense OF his htness fOI
the higher walks Of tragedy, expounding at length
the true principles of dramatic art which he MAIN
tanned was. not merely 10 hold up the mirror to
crude nature, bnt to give choice and refined pre-
sentation of truth. Nature he affirmed, was real
but art ideal The actor is not to reflect all the
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