§3. His first and subsequent Plays. II. Fielding and Smollett. Vol. 10. The Age of Johnson. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature: An Encyclopedia in Eighteen Volumes. 1907

The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume X. The Age of Johnson.

II. Fielding and Smollett.

§ 3. His first and subsequent Plays.

The next news of him is the production of his first play at Drury lane, in February, 1728. A month later, his name appears as Litt. Stud. in the books of the university of Leyden. He was still at Leyden in February, 1729; but within a year his name disappeared from the roll. In January, 1730, his second play was produced at Goodman’s fields theatre. His schooling being over, and the paternal remittances few or none, he had now come to London to make a living. A big, strong young man, well-educated and well-connected, with a great appetite for life, and small experience of it, he began his activity as author and dramatist.