In 1954, Tom Stoppard began working for the Western Daily Press, with the dream of becoming a hard-boiled journalist reporting from war-torn areas of the world — however, the position open was that of a lower-tier theater critic. This apparent diversion proved serendipitous, as a mere four years later, Stoppard's aspirations transformed when he saw Peter O'Toole's production of Hamlet. With time, Stoppard devoted his thoughts to drama, theater, and playwriting, creating such masterpieces as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Jumpers, Arcadia, and Rock and Roll.
Setting the playwright in context to his personal life, social, historical and political events, other writers of influence, and more, you will quickly gain a deep understanding of Tom Stoppard and the plays he wrote. Read Stoppard in an Hour and experience his plays like never before. Know the playwright, love the play!
The book features:
• Stoppard in an Hour, the primary essay in the book
• Stoppard in a Minute, a snapshot chronology
• A complete listing of Stoppard's work
• A list of Stoppard's contemporaries in all fields
• Excerpts from Stoppard's plays
• An extensive bibliography grouped according to type of reader
