Modern Drama in Theory and Practice: Volume 2, Symbolism, Surrealism and the Absurd

This is an excellent book, for research and for the general reader. It is volume two of a three volume series on the origins and development of the modern Western theatre, from the end of the nineteen century tom our own day. In a series of short, yet well-written and information-packed chapters, J.L.Styan, a well-published author and professor, offers a detailed analysis of the different currents that went into the origin and course of symbolism, surrealism and the absurd in the modern western theatre. His chapters on Wagner, the font of many of the influences in these three dramatic traditions, Maeterlinck, Jarry and Artaud are especially fascinating and they all encourage repeated reading. For the student, the academic specialist, and the general reader interested in what lay behind Beckett, Ionesco and Weiss, Pinter and Genet, this is the book to read, and to re-read.

Perfect for the University class I have taken this year. Bought it second hand and was in excellent condition. Pages clean and not tattered at all. I am very pleased with the context of this book.