Masterpieces of 20th-Century American Drama

American playwrights have made enormous contributions to world drama during the last century, and their works are widely read and performed. This reference conveniently introduces 10 of the most important modern American plays read by students. An introductory essay concisely overviews modern American drama, and each of the chapters that follow examines a particular play. Among the plays discussed are Thornton Wilder's Our Town, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, and August Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Each chapter includes a biography, a plot summary, an analysis of the play's themes, characters, and dramatic art, and a review of its historical background and reception. Chapters list works for further reading, and the volume closes with a selected, general bibliography.

Author: Susan Abbotson
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 09/01/2005
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.12lbs
Size: 9.32h x 6.48w x 0.93d
ISBN: 9780313332234

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 04/01/2006 pg. 89
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2006 pg. 472

About the Author

Susan C.W. Abbotson has taught English for more than 15 years, first at the high school level and now at Rhode Island College. Her previous books include Thematic Guide to Modern Drama (2003), Student Companion to Arthur Miller (2000), and Understanding Death of a Salesman (1999), all available from Greenwood Press.