Overview
One of the most influential writers of the 20th century, Samuel Beckett was a complete original whose work combined a terminally bleak view of existence with remarkable dramatic innovation and dark humor. His most famous play, Waiting for Godot, transformed the way we think about theater, and this and other works paved the way for the many notable playwrights and novelists who followed him. In Simply Beckett, Katherine Weiss presents a concise portrait of the author and his work, exploring, in particular, his theatrical contributions, his relationship to his audience, and his enduring legacy.
Description
Born in Dublin on Good Friday, Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) attended Trinity College and taught briefly in Belfast before moving to Paris, where he lived for most of his adult life. Deeply influenced by James Joyce, who became a close friend and mentor, he published poetry, novels, essays and reviews before stunning Paris, and eventually the rest of the world, with his play Waiting for Godot in 1953. Famously described by one critic as “a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats,” Godot redefined dramatic structure and showcased Beckett’s commitment to an art based on the ideas of “non-knowing” and powerlessness.
In Simply Beckett, professor Katherine Weiss provides a highly accessible and insightful introduction to the award-winning author and his paradoxical works, with a particular focus on Beckett’s theater activities, both as a writer and director. Through discussion of the written texts, significant productions of the plays, and audience and critical reactions to Beckett’s work, Weiss helps the reader understand the groundbreaking nature of his achievements and points the way toward greater appreciation of his oeuvre.
Combining admirable erudition with reader-friendly style, Simply Beckett is a fascinating journey into the world of an author whose work went to the heart of the human condition.
About the author
Dr. Katherine Weiss is Associate Professor of English and Chair of the Department of Literature and Language at East Tennessee State University. She is the author of The Plays of Samuel Beckett (2013) and co-editor of the essay collection Samuel Beckett: History, Memory, Archive (2009). Dr. Weiss frequently gives academic talks on drama and Samuel Beckett, and was a participant in the seminar series Samuel Beckett: Debts and Legacies in 2010 and 2013.
About the series
Simply Charly's Great Lives Series offers brief, but authoritative introductions to the world's most influential people—scientists, artists, writers, economists, and other historical figures whose contributions have had a meaningful and enduring impact on our society. Each book, presented in an engaging, accessible and entertaining fashion, offers an illuminating look at their works, ideas and personal lives, and the legacies they left behind.
Series trailer
Genre:
NonfictionSubgenre:
Biography, Literary CriticismLanguage:
EnglishISBN (Print):
978-1-943657-27-8Publisher:
Simply CharlyPublish-Date:
Winter 2016Edition Number:
1Available for sale on
