The Making of Modern Drama: A Study of Büchner, Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov, Pirandello, Brecht, Beckett, Handke

This highly acclaimed critical exploration of modern drama begins with Büchner and Ibsen and then discusses the major playwrights who have shaped modern theater—Strindberg, Chekhov, Pirandello, Brecht, Beckett, and Handke. A new introduction by the author assesses developments of recent years.

Reviews of the earlier editions:

“The best single study of the astonishing transformations dramatic art has undergone in the last century or so.”—Thomas R. Edwards, New York Times Book Review

“In its field this is one of the choice books of the century. It moves toward the deepest sources of some great plays, so it deepens their effect on us.”—Stanley Kauffmann

“The Making of Modern Drama has no rivals. Richard Gilman’s account of his fascinating subject is written with love, measure, and authority.”—Susan Sontag

“Gilman’s book on the genesis and development of contemporary drama is acute, beautifully accomplished, and, I think, important.”—Donald Barthelme