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The Columbia Encyclopedia of Modern Drama

Gabrielle Cody editor Evert Sprinchorn editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Columbia University Press

Published:20th Jul '07

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Columbia Encyclopedia of Modern Drama cover

A variety of approaches and types of entries that capture the diverse ways in which modern drama is embedded in the histories of playwrights, theaters, audiences, and cultures. A truly comprehensive, well-conceived, and well-executed encyclopedia. -- Martin Puchner, Columbia University

An A to Z reference for modern drama. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of drama by placing playwrights and plays within their social, cultural, and historical contexts. It focuses on drama in the literary sense rather than as performance. It also follows the development of modern theater in both Western Europe and Eastern Europe.A wholly unique A to Z reference for modern drama, this authoritative encyclopedia differs from others in highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of drama by placing playwrights and plays within their social, cultural, and historical contexts. Over 450 leading scholars provide students, general readers, and scholars with clearly written and concise entries that steer clear of technical jargon while also offering advanced readers new perspectives on familiar figures, movements, trends, issues, and texts. The Encyclopedia concentrates on drama in the literary sense rather than as performance. The scope of this encyclopedia is truly global. The editors follow the development of modern theater in both Western Europe (England, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy, Ireland, France, Spain) and Eastern Europe; in Russia, China, Japan, India, and all of Southeast Asia; in Australia and New Zealand; in the United States and Canada; in Latin America, Africa, and in the Yiddish language. Entries are at least 500 words, richly researched and innovatively written. In "Brecht" the playwright's central themes and theories on theater are contextualized within the story of his exile, which paints a larger portrait of the cultural and political state of Europe at the time. In "Spain" the stories of certain theaters and prominent playwrights, such as Federico Garcia Lorca, are woven within the history of the country itself. And a colorful look at "Off Broadway" emphasizes the importance of theater economics and reveals its influence in shaping the development of drama. The history of modern drama is quickly becoming a popular area of study. The Encyclopedia of Modern Drama is a comprehensive and original approach to understanding this history and a powerful tool in reinforcing the vital role of drama in the intellectual and artistic life of the last 150 years.

Dependable, well written, easily used by any sort of researcher... a truly great encyclopedia... Highly recommended. Library Journal (Starred Review) Editors Cody... and Sprinchorn... have created a truly great encyclopedia. Approximately 1400 A-to-Z articles signed by more than 450 scholars are cross-referenced by country, playwright, play name, genre, and era... Usable, thorough, and wide-ranging; highly recommended for academic libraries and public libraries... Library Journal (Starred Review) Carefully planned and meticulously edited, this scholarly yet readable compilation is an example of reference publishing at its finest. It is highly recommended. Booklist This major reference encyclopedia is a model of scholarship that should find a place on the shelves of every academic and public library... Essential. Choice A worthy investment for reference collections in all libraries. -- Lawrence Olszewski American Reference Books Annual

  • Winner of Best of Reference, Professional and Scholarly Publishing 2007
  • Winner of Included in Library Journal's Best Reference List 2007
  • Winner of Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2007
  • Winner of PSP Award for Excellence in Multi Volume Reference / Humanities & Social Sciences 2007

ISBN: 9780231140324

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

1744 pages