[Henry Brodribb Irving, son of the late Sir Henry Irving, was born in
London in 1870. His first appearance on the stage was at the Garrick
Theatre, London, in "School," when twenty-one. In 1906 he toured with
success throughout the United States, appearing in plays made
memorable by his father, "The Lyons Mail," "Charles I.," and "The
Bells." Mr. Irving distinctly inherits Sir Henry Irving's ability
both as an actor and as a thoughtful student of acting as an art. In
1905 he gave a lecture, largely autobiographical, to the Academy of
Dramatic Art in London. It appeared in the _Fortnightly Review_, May,
1905, and is republished by Small, Maynard & Co., Boston, in
"Occasional Papers. Dramatic and Historical" by Mr. Irving. By his
kindness, and that of his publishers, its pages are here drawn
upon.--ED.]