Paul, Howard, and George Gebbie. The Stage and Its Stars Past and Present: A Gallery of Dramatic Illustration and Critical Biographies of Distinguished English and American Actors from the Time of Shakespeare Till To-Day. Philadelphia: Gebbie, 1890.

The Stage and Its Stars Past and Present is a hardcover large book published in 1890 that shows illustrations from theatrical performances and includes biographies of English and American actors from Shakespearian time. This book is bonded with leather and is stamped with gold. Also on the front cover, is a design with fireworks and dramatic faces. Each page is a thick high-quality paper and has lots of empty space. Usually, books that had empty space on the pages were more expensive. 

The edges of the paper are gilded and are very flashy. There is no design on any of the inside covers of this page. The Stage and Its Stars Past and Present weighs around twelve pounds, which leaves me to believe that this book stayed in one place more often than not. Books that were published in this size were to be shown off in homes as a prized possession. The gilded papers, leather bindings, and stamped design, show the high price to others. Unlike other books for the Victorian era, The Stage and Its Stars Past and Present has survives its years. The book is left in very good conditions with only little wear and tear. It is evident that the publisher or binder assembled the text block and the binding of this book separately via hand. There is gold stitching around the edges of the leather. Inside the book, the illustrations resemble photographs. Each photograph belongs to a play description. With the production of “Gladiators in the Amphitheatre,” there are several drawings that fit certain key scene. These illustrations make feel as if you are watching the play through the book. Because of the lack of technology during the Victorian era, books were the closest thing to reliving the actual event.