The Plays of Strindberg: Volume 2

by August Strindberg

The Plays of Strindberg (Collections and Selections — Volume 2)

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'The second volume in the series of authoritative Methuen editions of Strindberg''s Collected Plays This volume contains two of Strindberg''s best-known plays from the years following his mental breakdown- the expressionist masterpiece A Dream Play (1901), which he described as ''my most beloved play, child of my greatest pain''; and both parts of The Dance of Death (1900), a terrifying analysis of a tormented marriage- ''it leaves an astonishing, an almost unaccountable, impression of show more genius . as a beggar''s cloak full of holes may have a kind of majestic beauty when the wind fills it, so this broken drama, having unmistakably the winds of vision in it, has beauty and dignity and power'' (The Times, 1928). Also included is his earlier short play The Stronger (1889), a fascinating study of the power of personality. ''Michael Meyer is the translator most actors turn to when seeking a definitive text'' (Sunday Times)' show less

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The collection contains eight plays, some of them in more than one part. It would be easy to read these plays and dismiss Strindberg as a misanthropist. He probably was, with more than a trace of misogyny lacing through his works. But there are still valuable pieces, and many of them would be interesting to see performed. They are probably easier to read than perform with his elaborate sets and frequent set changes, which may be why Miss Julie, which takes place in one location, seems to be his most frequently performed play. Overall, an interesting read, but do not expect to come out of the book with a warm and fuzzy feeling for the world around you, particularly the human inhabitants. Also be prepared for rather unorthodox religious show more views that may disturb some readers. show less
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859+ Works 11,164 Members
August Strindberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden on January 22, 1849. He was educated at the University of Uppsala in Sweden, but left without a degree. He began to write while supporting himself at a variety of jobs, including journalist and librarian. He wrote several novels including The Red Room and Black Banners, but was best known as a show more playwright. His plays include The Father, Miss Julie, Creditors, A Dream Play, and The Ghost Sonata. He also wrote an autobiography entitled The Son of a Servant. He died on May 14, 1912 at the age of 63. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

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Canonical title
The Plays of Strindberg: Volume 2
Original publication date
1907 (Original Swedish) (Original Swedish)

Classifications

Genre
Fiction and Literature
DDC/MDS
839.726Literature & rhetoricGerman & related literaturesOther Germanic literaturesSwedish literatureSwedish dramaModern period 1800–
LCC
PT9811Language and LiteratureGerman, Dutch and Scandinavian literaturesSwedish literatureIndividual authors or works19th centuryStrindberg, Johan August
BISAC

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59
Popularity
521,980
Reviews
1
Rating
½ (4.38)
Languages
English, Swedish
Media
Paper
ISBNs
2
ASINs
1