The Making of Modern Drama

by Richard Gilman

This highly acclaimed critical exploration of modern drama begins with Büchner 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

“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 Kauffmann

“ The Making of Modern Drama has no rivals. Richard Gilman’s account of his fascinating subject is written with love, measure, and authority.”—Susan Sontag

“Gilman’s book on the genesis and development of contemporary drama is acute, beautifully accomplished, and, I think, important.”—Donald Barthelme

Genres: Theatre

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

For the Canadian former RAF pilot, see Richard Gilman.

American professor and drama critic.

Reviews

[Castille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea (I was merely using this as a reference for an academic paper, not reading for personal pleasure or out of my own organic curiosity), but if you're interested in the history of theatre or in learning about these authors and their theories, I would recommend this book. Gilman is a strong writer, with colorful writing, and compelling arguments.