Arnold Wesker: Fragments and Visions

Arnold Wesker is a significant figure in post-war British theatre, and this new collection of essays will add significantly to scholarship on his work. The first study of his entire body of work, it will re-energize interest in this partly forgotten key figure. The book examines Wesker's work from various perspectives, including his reception in Europe, his Jewishness, and his political and cultural attitudes. It utilizes material from the Arnold Wesker archive and is accessible to academics, scholars, and students at all undergraduate levels.

Format: Hardback
Length: 241 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2021
Publisher: Intellect Books

This groundbreaking collection will make a substantial contribution to the existing scholarship on this renowned playwright. Serving as the first comprehensive study of Wesker's entire body of work, it is bound to rekindle interest in this somewhat overlooked figure in post-war British theatre.

The editors, esteemed scholars in the field, have a proven track record of publications on British theatre. An impressive roster of contributors includes prominent scholars of post-war theatre, such as John Bull and Chris Megson, alongside practitioners like Edward Bond and Pamela Howard, who bring their professional expertise to the table.

Arnold Wesker, who passed away in April 2016, was widely recognized in the press as "one of the great overlooked of British drama." Despite his significant involvement in the cultural politics of 1960s Britain and his international career, a mere fraction of Wesker's dramatic output receives scholarly attention. This book aims to rectify the recent critical neglect of the dramatist, building upon existing scholarship and offering fresh insights and perspectives.

For the first time, this important new publication will examine Wesker's entire body of work, encompassing both his dramatic and non-dramatic creations. It will consider his work from various angles, such as his reception in Europe, his Jewish identity, and his political and social attitudes. Extensive use of material from the Arnold Wesker archive, housed at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin, USA, will enrich the analysis.

Chapters in the book will delve into Wesker's representation of various themes and issues, including his exploration of class, gender, and identity. It will also examine his attitude towards religion, spirituality, and the human condition. By examining Wesker's work in its entirety and from diverse perspectives, this book will shed new light on his contributions to British theatre and contribute to a better understanding of his legacy.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 176 x 250 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789383645
Edition number: New ed