Eric Bentley Knihy

Exploring the absurdities of human behavior, this collection features a series of farcical plays that highlight the quirks and complexities of relationships. The characters navigate misunderstandings, deception, and the often ridiculous nature of their desires, all while showcasing sharp wit and humor. Each piece blends comedic elements with insightful commentary on societal norms, making it a thought-provoking yet entertaining read. The work emphasizes the timelessness of farce in revealing the truth behind human interactions.

This book was written between 1946 and 1952, and first published in 1953. It is now widely regarded as the standard portrait of the European and American theater in the turbulent and seminal years following World War II; but it is far more than that. It ranges back as far as Ibsen and even Shakespeare, and has contributed very substantially to a number of reputations that would long outlast 1950, such as those of Bertolt Brecht, Charles Chaplin and Martha Graham. For Bentley fans, it is an essential link in a chain that runs from The Playwright as Thinker to The Life of the Drama to The Brecht Memoir and Thinking About the Playwright .

The collection showcases four significant plays from Spain's golden age, highlighting the rich theatrical tradition of the period. Translated by Roy Campbell, the anthology features works such as Cervantes' "Siege of Numantia," Lope de Vega's "Fuente Ovejuna," Tirso de Molina's "The Trickster of Seville," and Calderón de la Barca's "Life Is a Dream." Each play reflects the unique themes and styles of its author, offering insights into Spanish culture and drama. An introduction by Eric Bentley provides further context.

Recipient of 2007 The Robert Chesley Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in PlaywritingWinner of 2006 International Association of Theatre Critics Thalia PrizeWinner of 2006 Village Voice OBIE Awards Lifetime Achievement AwardSince their first meeting in Santa Monica, California in 1942, Eric Bentley has been Bertolt Brecht's other, offstage voice. Just as Brecht reshaped modern theater, Bentley's writings on Brecht helped shape his reputation in the United States and the rest of the world.  Bentley on Brecht represents a lifetime of critical and personal thoughts on both Brecht as friend and Brecht as influential literary figure. Brought together in this volume are Brecht-Bentley correspondence, Bentley's personal recollections of his years with Brecht, including Charles Laughton's production of Galileo , Brecht's testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee, and Bentley's analysis of Brecht's plays.

“Eric Bentley's radical new look at the grammar of theatre...is a work of exceptional virtue... The book justifies its title by being precisely about the ways in which life manifests itself in the theatre...This is a book to be read again and again.” – Frank Kermode, The New York Review of Books

A definitive work by one of the greatest drama critics.

Eric Bentley's graceful look at George Bernard Shaw was first published over 50 years ago and time has only strengthened the conviction of his ideas and arguments about Shaw. When it arrived in the late 1940's this book was hailed by the great poet William Carlos Williams as the best treatise on contemporary manners I think I have ever read. I was fascinated and rewarded in the depths of my soul. Even Shaw himself described the book as the best critical description of my public activities I have yet come across.

Set in 18th-century Italy, this collection features the comedic play "The Servant of Two Masters," where clever servant Truffaldino juggles two employers, leading to a series of misunderstandings and humorous situations. Alongside this classic, the anthology includes other notable Italian works that explore themes of love, deception, and social class, showcasing the rich tradition of Italian literature. The vibrant characters and witty dialogue offer a delightful glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time.