BEST AMERICAN PLAYS: Third Series 1945-1951

by John- Ed & Intro by Gassner ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 5, 1952

This volume brings the series up to date (the first two covering the years 1916-1946) and contains the full text of the 17 plays chosen. The introduction is an interesting analysis of the post war years in the theater, of all aspects of playwriting and subject-trends, of comparisons with productions of previous years; it is an evaluation of the diversity of material and the continuity that enriched the period: it offers a stimulating survey of plays other than those full-lengthed here. The comments on newcomers and older adepts, the observations on the ""diminished stimulus"" and the criticisms of theatrical weaknesses add to the value of this introduction and the individual introductions to each play supplement its value for the student of the theater. The plays chosen are DEATH OF A SALESMAN A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, DETECTIVE STORY, THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING BILL, BOOK AND CANDLE, THE MOON IS BLUE. MISTER ROBERTS, STATE OF THE UNION, ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS, THE ICEMAN COMETH, THE AUTUMN GARDEN, COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA SILLY BUDD, DARKNESS AT NOON, SUMMER AND SMOKE, ALL MY SONS, MEDEA. There is a supplementary of American non-musical plays, of American musical plays, and a bibliography. Excellent reference and drama classroom book.

Pub Date: June 5, 1952

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1952

Categories: NONFICTION