Partners of the Imagination: The Lives, Art and Struggles of John Arden and Margaretta D'Arcy

Partners of the Imagination is the first in-depth study of the work of John Arden and Margaretta DArcy, partners in writing and cultural and political campaigns. They created a series of highly admired plays, novels, stories, essays, and radio plays, and DArcy founded and ran a Women's Pirate Radio station. The study explores the connections between art and life, the responsibilities of the writer and the citizen, and the range of literary works created by these writers. It is a landmark examination of two hugely respected radical writers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Partners of the Imagination is a comprehensive exploration into the remarkable partnership of John Arden and Margaretta DArcy, both accomplished writers and influential cultural and political activists. Their journey began in the 1950s, when they embarked on a prolific writing career that produced a series of highly acclaimed plays showcased at the major theaters of Britain. Beyond their literary prowess, Arden and DArcy were deeply committed to social and political causes, actively participating in the peace movement and the Northern Ireland "Troubles." DArcy, in particular, faced imprisonment due to her unwavering activism, and she also had a notable stint at the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp.

Their later contributions included Booker-listed novels, prize-winning stories, essays, and radio plays, showcasing their diverse artistic talents. DArcy even founded and ran a Women's Pirate Radio station, further expanding their impact on the cultural landscape. Renowned critic Raymond Williams hailed Arden as "the most genuinely innovative of the playwrights of his generation," while Chambers and Prior praised "The Non-Stop Connolly Show," a six-play epic co-written by Arden and DArcy, as one of the finest examples of post-war drama in the English language.

This study delves into the intricate connections between art and life, as well as the responsibilities of the writer and the citizen. It critically evaluates the wide range of literary works created by these writers, encompassing plays, poetry, novels, essays, and polemics. Moreover, it recognizes their literary and dramatic achievements, as well as their role as controversialist activists in their own right. Partners of the Imagination stands as a landmark examination of two highly respected radical writers, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the literary and political landscape.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 159 x 243 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367489144