A Beckett Canon

This comprehensive guide explores the extensive works of Samuel Beckett, offering insights and context for readers of A Beckett Canon.

An indispensable guide to the oeuvre of Samuel Beckett, A Beckett Canon spans sixty years of his literary contributions. Beckett, a unique figure in literature, was born and educated in Ireland but spent most of his life in Paris. His works, written in both English and French, often involved translations that sparked debate regarding the nuances of his bilingual corpus. Ruby Cohn, a renowned theater scholar, provides invaluable insight into Beckett's entire body of work, offering commentary in the original languages to enhance understanding.

Beginning with Beckett's earliest pieces from 1929, A Beckett Canon explores the diverse genres he engaged with, including poetry, short stories, novels, plays, radio pieces, teleplays, reviews, and critical essays. Cohn addresses the complexities found within Beckett's writing, from the intricate erudition present in his early English works to the profound depths and syntactical ellipses characteristic of his later pieces. This comprehensive examination makes the book a vital resource for anyone looking to delve deeper into Beckett's literary legacy.

Both specialist and nonspecialist readers will appreciate the remarkable inclusiveness of A Beckett Canon. Cohn's thorough research across major Beckett depositories allows her to shed light on overlooked manuscripts and rectify occasional inaccuracies in their listings. The book serves as an essential companion for those reading Beckett's works, whether in English or French, and provides context, information, and interpretation for one of the most significant writers of the last century.