The Facts on File Companion to American Drama (Companion to Literature Series)

The Facts On File Companion to American Drama is an encyclopedic guide to American dramatic literature. It contains approximately 650 entries, ranging in length from 500 to 1,500 words, that cover playwrights of the pre-20th century up through contemporary ones, major plays, important theater companies and movements, and influential directors and critics. With contributions from a collection of scholars, this volume presents the full history of the genre, with emphasis on 20th-century dramatic literature. Many entries include bibliographies for further research, and appendices include a general bibliography, a list of prize-winners for major drama awards, and a chronology.

Praise for the previous edition:
"...outstanding...This attractively formatted companion will be useful in academic, public, and high school libraries."—American Reference Books Annual

"...useful...recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries."—Booklist

"...well-written...Excellent articles...Recommended."—Choice

The Facts On File Companion to American Drama, Second Edition is a comprehensive guide to American dramatic literature, from its origins in the early days of the nation to American classics such as Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and Thornton Wilder's Our Town to the groundbreaking works of today's best writers. Entries new to this edition include August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf, Tracy Letts's August: Osage County, Lynn Nottage and her Pulitzer Prize-winning playRuined, Nilo Cruz, Stephen Adley Guirgis, and much more.

Coverage includes:

• Playwrights, such as Royall Tyler, Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, and Suzan-Lori Parks
• Major plays, including Long Day's Journey into Night, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Angels in America
• Influential directors and critics, such as Elia Kazan and Harold Clurman
• Theater companies, movements and topics, including the Provincetown Players, the Theatre of the Absurd, and African-American drama.