(Actress ‘Rachel.’) Group of nine letters.

(AMERICAN-JUDAICA).

Boston, MA

1854-56

These letters were written by a cultured, well-spoken Bostonian, Ch. Baldwin, who discusses all manner of topics, ranging from politics, antislavery, women’s rights, etc.

Two of the letters discuss one of the acting sensations of the 19th century, the Swiss-French Jewish actress Rachel (Eliza Rachel Felix, 1821-58). Baldwin writes with awe that she “makes tragedy seem tragedy,” and “one need not know the words (i.e., French) to understand her.” Rachel Felix was an enormous celebrity in her time, whose private life and relationships fascinated the public no less than her accomplishments onstage.