[CHETWOOD (William Rufus)]. The Generous Free-Mason: or, the - Lot 51

[CHETWOOD (William Rufus)]. The Generous Free-Mason: or, the Constant Lady. With the humours of squire Noodle, and his man Doodle. A tragi-comi-farcical ballad opera in three acts. London, printed for J. Roberts, 1731. In-8, bradel ivory and brown boards with long title on spine (modern binding). (4 of which the 2nd is blank)-51-(one) pp; leaves sometimes a little soiled, the first trimmed shorter. ORIGINAL EDITION, dedicated "to the Right Worshipful the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, and the rest of the Brethren of the ancient and honourable society of Free and Accepted Masons". Music printed in the text: tunes composed by Henry Carey, Richard Clarke and John Sheeles. ONE OF THE FIRST OPERAS TO FEATURE FRANCS-MAÇONS, premiered in London in 1731. The author, a Freemason, was a writer, editor, prompter, theater administrator and innkeeper in London and Dublin.