Royall Tyler (1757 - 1826)

Royall Tyler

Royall Tyler, real name William Clark Tyler, was an American politician, lawyer and judge, playwright, essayist and educator.

He graduated from Harvard University, was admitted to the bar, and in 1801 was appointed a justice of the Vermont Supreme Court. In 1811, Tyler was appointed professor of jurisprudence at the University of Vermont.

Royall Tyler is best known today as the author of the first American comedy, Contrast, which premiered in 1787 at the John Street Theater. This play is the first to feature a Yankee character, a character native and familiar to local audiences, and the forerunner of many such in later years.