Samuel Beckett, whose play "Waiting for Godot" was one of the most influential works for the post-World War II generation, has long been identified with the debilitated and impotent characters he created. In this book, Lois Gordon offers a new perspective on Beckett, challenging the prevalent image of him as reclusive, self-absorbed and disturbed. Gordon investigates the first 40 years of Beckett's life and finds that he was, on the contrary, a kind and generous man who responded sensitively and even heroically to the world ...
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Samuel Beckett, whose play "Waiting for Godot" was one of the most influential works for the post-World War II generation, has long been identified with the debilitated and impotent characters he created. In this book, Lois Gordon offers a new perspective on Beckett, challenging the prevalent image of him as reclusive, self-absorbed and disturbed. Gordon investigates the first 40 years of Beckett's life and finds that he was, on the contrary, a kind and generous man who responded sensitively and even heroically to the world around him. Gordon describes the various places and events that affected Beckett during this formative period: war-torn Dublin during the Easter Uprising and World War I, where he spent his childhood and student days; Belfast and Paris in the 1920s and London during the Depression, where he lived and worked; Germany in 1937, where he travelled and witnessed Hitler's domestic policies; prewar and occupied France, where he was active in the Resistance (for which he was later decorated); and the war-ravaged town of Saint-Lo in Normandy, which he helped to restore following the liberation. Gordon also portrays the individuals who were important to Beckett, including Jack B. Yeats, Alfred Peron, Thomas McGreevy, and, most significantly, James Joyce, who was a model for Beckett personally, artistically and politically. Gordon argues that Beckett was very much aware of the political and cultural turmoil of this period and that the creative works he wrote after World War II can, in fact, be viewed as a product of and testament to those tumultuous times.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 700grams, ISBN: 9780300064094.
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Seller's Description:
HARDCOVER Good-Bumped and creased book with tears to the extremities, but not affecting the text block, may have remainder mark or previous owner's name-GOOD Standard-sized.
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Fine jacket. A critical literary biography of the author who defines the modern theatre. This is a Fine copy of the First Edition in a Fine dustjacket. In an archival plastic protector. Size: 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall.