Introduction

Map of London and its various regions during the 1830s when Lyon recorded visiting the city in his diary.

As a world traveler, voracious reader, and well-intentioned businessman, Abraham Septimus Lyon’s diary records from 1826 through 1839 provide readers with a snapshot of his everyday life spanning his travels in England, Barbados, and beyond. The perspective from his unpublished diary is unique, especially considering that he was a middle-class Jewish man who spent much of his time with upper-class and upper-middle-class companions. The diary is written in his hand and intended for no one but himself, creating an intimate text that explores his private thoughts. One recurring theme throughout his descriptions of social calls and day-to-day business is his fascination and love of the theatre. During his time in London and later, his time in Barbados and Jamaica, Lyon writes fondly of the theatre and its many offerings. What is missing from these descriptions is the context and implications of his frequent visits and involvement with the stage. Exploring the conditions of the London stage furthers one’s understanding of Lyon’s diary, his world, and his overall character. In history, Lyon is remembered as a businessman and traveler, but his dedication to the arts and performance is largely forgotten. His diary entries about theatre and his family ties to performances explose a new layer of his personality and perspective on theatre.