The 101 Greatest Plays: From Antiquity to the Present - Hardcover

Billington, Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 178335030X ISBN 13: 9781783350308

Publisher: Guardian Faber Publishing, 2015

Synopsis

'The 101 Greatest Plays? I know: it sounds a bit arrogant. Who, after all, has the encyclopedic knowledge to make such a list? I guess that, during nearly fifty years as a critic, I must have seen some nine thousand plays. I have tried to use that experience in the book and make constant reference to particular productions that reinforce my notion of greatness. Eyebrows will doubtless be raised about my final selection: the omissions even more than the inclusions. Shakespearians will be outraged, Beckettians will be astonished.

Let the debate begin . . .'

Britain's longest-serving theatre critic Michael Billington's provocative and highly personal selection of the 101 greatest plays ranging from the Greeks to the present-day.

101 extended essays - and occasional dialogues - put the plays in context, justify their inclusion, explain their significance and trace their performance history.

Ultimately, it's a book that poses an infinite number of questions. What makes a great play? Does the definition change with time and circumstance? Are certain common factors visible down the ages?

In revising the canon The 101 Greatest Plays is bound to stimulate passionate argument, but first and foremost it is a celebration of the art of the dramatist. It is the product of a lifetime spent watching and reading, a record of the adventures of a soul amongst masterpieces.

About this title

Review:

Michael Billington's profoundly informed passion about the theatre is wonderful and touching. (Simon Callow)

Lucidly written and argued this is a seriously pleasurable book, founded upon a life spent valuably in theatres. (Independent)

[T]he elegance and vigour of [Billington's] writing ... backed by his unparalleled banks of theatrical knowledge and wisdom - makes these essays a joy to read, even while we rage and quibble over Billington's choices, and set about compiling lists of our own. (The Scotsman)

Billington's book challenges readers to disagree - not just with his choices, but with the reasons behind his choices - and will perhaps inspire some to compile their own lists. . . Greatness may be reserved for 101 plays, but the brief biographies here of so many exceptional dramatists open the doors to further exploration. (TLS)

[A] pleasure to read ... there is probably nobody currently living who has the knowledge, experience and memory of Michael Billington when it comes to writing a book of this type ... Its value lies not only in its historical and geographical sweep but also the quality of the research and writing ... Michael Billington has written a book that is simultaneously important and enjoyable. Who could ask for anything more? (Philip Fisher British Theatre Guide)

T]he essays are not just about playtexts and the way the words read on a page. The performances Billington has seen of each play feed inexorably into the choices he has made in the book. It's a tribute to actors, directors and theatre buildings as well - that's what makes it theatre. (Exeunt)

Book Description:

The essential companion to the greatest plays ever written.

About this edition

• Publisher: Guardian Faber Publishing
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 178335030X
• ISBN 13: 9781783350308
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 464