Theories of the Theatre: A Historical and Critical Survey, from the Greeks to the Present

by Marvin A. Carlson

Overview

Beginning with Aristotle and the Greeks and ending with semiotics and post-structuralism, Theories of the Theatre is the first comprehensive survey of Western dramatic theory. In this expanded edition the author has updated the book and added a new concluding chapter that focuses on theoretical developments since 1980, emphasizing the impact of feminist theory.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801429354
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	09/03/1993
Edition description:	Expanded Edition
Pages:	552
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.62(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Marvin Carlson is Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Theatre and Drama at Indiana University.

What People are Saying About This

Daniel Gerould

This book is an impressive piece of work. Carlson has given not just the highlights and major figures, not just a condensation of the broad currents and main outlines, but a thorough account of all significant theories of the theatre.

Editorial Reviews

The coverage in Theories of the Theatre is remarkable. It is already difficult to imagine seriously undertaking theatre studies without this volume in a prominent place on one's shelf.

Theatre Survey

A comprehensive and readable guide that will be the standard work for many years to come.

Times Literary Supplement

Carlson has taken on the monumental task of abstracting the major theoretical statements on the theater from the Greeks to the present. He cogently summarizes the texts, drawing comparisons freely while avoiding evaluation. The book's organization is historical, with national divisions until the 20th century, at which time all countries are considered together within much more finely defined time limits. This is a much needed book.

Choice

"A comprehensive and readable guide that will be the standard work for many years to come."

"Carlson has taken on the monumental task of abstracting the major theoretical statements on the theater from the Greeks to the present. He cogently summarizes the texts, drawing comparisons freely while avoiding evaluation. The book's organization is historical, with national divisions until the 20th century, at which time all countries are considered together within much more finely defined time limits. This is a much needed book."

"The coverage in Theories of the Theatre is remarkable. It is already difficult to imagine seriously undertaking theatre studies without this volume in a prominent place on one's shelf."

From the Publisher

**** Expanded edition of the work originally published by Cornell U. Press in 1984 and endorsed by BCL3. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"This book is an impressive piece of work. Carlson has given not just the highlights and major figures, not just a condensation of the broad currents and main outlines, but a thorough account of all significant theories of the theatre."

Daniel Gerould