ABSTRACT
This chapter offers academics the chance to build a complete picture of William Godwin as a writer and political figure. Godwin conceived the play, Faulkener, a Tragedy, in September 1801 but did not begin to write 'Camilla' as it was called in his diary until 25 October 1803 when he penned the first ten lines. He completed the first draft in February 1804 and then commenced a long and arduous struggle to get the play accepted. It was first performed on 16 December 1807 at Drury Lane theatre. It played on three consecutive nights. The cast included: Robert Elliston, Henry Siddons, Harriet Siddons, and Jack Palmer, William Powell, and Jane Powell. Faulkener was published by Richard Phillips on 28 December 1807 and sold at 2s 6d. In the published edition, Godwin had added an alternative epilogue which had been written by John Wolcot.
