Arthur Miller: A Critical Study

Description

Christopher Bigsby explores the entirety of Arthur Miller's work, including plays, poetry, fiction and films, in this comprehensive and stimulating study. Drawing on interviews conducted over the last twenty years, on unique rehearsal material and research archives, he paints a compelling picture of how Miller's works were influenced by and created in the light of events of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This is an enjoyable insight into a great playwright that will interest both theatregoers and students of modern drama.

Christopher Bigsby is Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

'Bigsby's epic study is readable, comprehensive and profound. It's not a beginner's guide, and plot summaries rapidly give way to in-depth discussion, with brief biographical links rounding off each chapter. Given the massive task, the evidence of haste in some of the writing is excusable. This book is clearly a must not only for Miller fans, but for anyone wanting to know about the post-war struggles of the engaged artist - committed both to accounting for his life, and bearing witness to history.' The Independent '... wide-ranging, indispensable study ... an in-depth account of everything Miller has written, including the voluminous variants of his work, his private papers and worknotes to which Bigsby has had access ...'. Jewish Chronicle 'A text of extraordinary thoroughness and insight. (it) is likely to remain the most sustained and penetrating examination of Miller's work for a long time to come.' Theatre History Studies '... comprehensive and very thorough.' Contemporary Review 'While there is no shortage of books about Arthur Miller out there, this new study by Christopher Bigsby is surely one of the best and most valuable to date.' MLR