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Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
Author(s): Mark Taylor-Batty (Author), Juliette Taylor-Batty (Author)
- Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
- Publication Date: 6 Jan. 2009
- Language: English
- Print length: 128 pages
- ISBN-10: 0826495931
- ISBN-13: 9780826495938
Book Description
This title offers informative critical introduction to Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”, one of the most commonly studied modern plays.”Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot” is not only an indisputably important and influential dramatic text – it is also one of the most significant western cultural landmarks of the twentieth century. Originally written in French, the play first amazed and appalled Parisian theatre-goers and critics before receiving a harshly dismissive initial critical response in Britain in 1955. Its influence since then on the international stage has been significant, impacting on generations of actors, directors and audiences.This guide provides a comprehensive critical introduction to “Waiting for Godot” from the controversial first performances to recent productions.”Continuum Modern Theatre Guides” offer concise, accessible and informed introductions to the key plays of modern times. Each book is carefully structured to offer a systematic study of the play in its biographical, historical, social and political context, an in-depth study of the text, an overview of the work’s production history including screen adaptations, and practical workshopping exercises. They also include a timeline and suggestions for further reading which highlight key critical approaches. This will enable students to develop their understanding of playwrights and theatre-makers, as well as inspiring them to broaden their studies.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Briefly reviewed in the Year’s work in English Studies journal, vol 89, No. 1Â ‘Its major strength is its exploration of the play’s French origins, and especially the first production in Paris directed by Roger Blin.’
This new introductory textbook is an extremely useful resource for both readers and performers of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. It provides some very interesting and readable biographical and historical background for the play, including some helpful analysis of genre and language.
“An impressively complete survey of the play in its cultural, theatrical, historical and political contexts.” – David Bradby, co-editor of Contemporary Theatre Review
About the Author
Mark Taylor-Batty is Senior Lecturer in Theatre Studies at the University of Leeds, UK Juliette Taylor-Batty is Associate Senior Lecturer in English at Leeds Trinity & All Saints, Leeds, UK.
