Synopses & Reviews
This highly acclaimed critical exploration of modern drama begins with B chner and Ibsen and then discusses the major playwrights who have shaped modern theater-Strindberg, Chekhov, Pirandello, Brecht, Beckett, and Handke. A new introduction by the author assesses developments of recent years.Reviews of the earlier editions: The best single study of the astonishing transformations dramatic art has undergone in the last century or so.-Thomas R. Edwards, New York Times Book Review In its field this is one of the choice books of the century. It moves toward the deepest sources of some great plays, so it deepens their effect on us.-Stanley KauffmannThe Making of Modern Drama has no rivals. Richard Gilman's account of his fascinating subject is written with love, measure, and authority.-Susan SontagGilman's book on the genesis and development of contemporary drama is acute, beautifully accomplished, and, I think, important.-Donald Barthelme