Thomas Gilliland

Thomas Gilliland (fl. 1804–1816) was a combative British writer on the theatre.^[1]

Thomas Gilliland, 1807 engraving by Thomas Cheesman, after Samuel De Wilde

He is said to have written for a living, and to have been acceptable to Monk Lewis and Thomas Moore. His presence in the green-room of Drury Lane Theatre as a "spy" caused objections from Charles Mathews the elder, supported by other actors.^[1]

Gilliland was alive in 1816, in which year his name appears in the Biographical Dictionary of Living Authors.^[1]

Works

Gilliland wrote:^[1]

• A Dramatic Synopsis, containing an Essay on the Political and Moral Use of a Theatre, involving Remarks on the Dramatic Writers of the Present Day and Strictures on the Performers of the two Theatres, London, 1804.
• The Dramatic Mirror, containing the History of the Stage from the Earliest Period to the Present Time, London, 1808, 2 vols., an expansion of the Synopsis. It has information on the provincial theatres, and biographies of the principal actors from the time of Shakespeare and of dramatic writers subsequent to 1660. It was illustrated with portraits and other engravings, and dedicated to the Prince of Wales.
• Elbow Room, a Pamphlet containing Remarks on the shameful Increase of the Private Boxes of Covent Garden, London, 1804.
• Jack in Office, containing Remarks on Mr. Braham's Address to the Public, with a full and impartial consideration of Mr. Kemble's conduct with regard to the above gentleman, London, n.d. (1804). These are two satires on Kemble's management.
• The Trap, a Moral, Philosophical, and Satirical Work, delineating the Snares in which Kings, Princes, and their Subjects have been caught since the days of Adam; including Reflections on the Present Causes of Conjugal Infidelity. Dedicated to the Ladies, London, 1808, 2 vols., a satire.
• Diamond cut Diamond: Observations on a Pamphlet entitled "A Review of the Conduct of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales", comprising a free and impartial View of Mr. Jefferys as a Tradesman, Politician, and Courtier. By Philo Veritas, 5th edition, enlarged, London, 1801.
• On the title-page of the Trap" is mentioned: "Diamond new Pointed.

Notes

Attribution

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Stephen, Leslie; Lee, Sidney, eds. (1890). "Gilliland, Thomas". Dictionary of National Biography. 21. London: Smith, Elder & Co.