Subject
Dramatists -- Fiction Books
Best books
Hope Mirrlees
The Counterplot
"The Counterplot" by Hope Mirrlees is a novel published in 1924. Set in post-World War I England, it follows Teresa Lane, a twenty-eight-year-old woman who observes her own family life as material for artistic transformation. Teresa studies her relationships with her Spanish mother and younger sister, ultimately crafting a play that mirrors her family dynamics. Described by its publisher as "a study of the literary temperament," the novel explores the complex intersection between lived experience and artistic creation through Teresa's ambitious literary project.
Samuel Merwin
The Trufflers: A Story
"The Trufflers: A Story" by Samuel Merwin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Peter Ericson Mann, a playwright struggling with creative burnout and increasingly frustrated by the changing landscape of theater represented by modern women and their new roles, including his fascination with a young woman named Sue Wilde. As he navigates both his artistic decline and his tumultuous interactions with Sue, the narrative explores themes of artistic integrity, gender dynamics, and the complexities of modern relationships. At the start of the book, Peter Mann is depicted as a disheartened playwright whose past successes have dwindled into failures. He meets Sue, a spirited young woman with a boyish appearance, who critiques his work and challenges his worldview. Their conversation reveals Peter's anxieties about women and changes in society, while Sue's bold nature captivates him. As they both confront their beliefs about art, relationships, and societal expectations, the tension between traditional values and progressive ideals unfolds, setting the stage for Peter's awakening and the potential conflict with Sue's evolving ambitions within the new artistic environment of New York City.
Walter Savage Landor
Citation and Examination of William Shakspeare, Euseby Treen, Joseph Carnaby, and Silas Gough, Clerk
"Citation and Examination of William Shakspeare" is a historical account written in the late 19th century, rediscovered from original papers. This work is a dramatized depiction of an actual event where a young William Shakespeare is brought before Sir Thomas Lucy, a magistrate, to be examined for deer-stealing. The book combines elements of wit and humor while portraying the social dynamics and legal practices of Elizabethan England, exploring themes of justice, reputation, and ambition through Shakespeare's character. At the start of the book, the youthful William Shakespeare is humorously introduced as he stands accused of deer-stealing before Sir Thomas Lucy. The atmosphere is tense yet playful, as Shakespeare engages in witty exchanges with the magistrate and his chaplain, Silas Gough, creatively defending himself while avoiding serious consequences. The examination unfolds with Shakespeare's clever wordplay and repartee, overshadowing the gravity of the charges against him. Through the early dialogues and interactions among the characters, readers are treated to a lively exploration of Shakespeare's personality and the societal norms of the period, setting the stage for a unique blend of historical fiction and comedic commentary.
John Masefield
Multitude and Solitude
"Multitude and Solitude" by John Masefield is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Roger Naldrett, a playwright, who grapples with the harsh realities of artistic failure as he witnesses the disastrous reception of his work. The narrative delves into themes of artistry, societal expectations, and personal disillusionment. The opening of the novel introduces Roger as he watches the second act of his tragedy unfold in a theater. Despite the cold reception of the first act, he experiences a mix of emotional detachment and empathy for the actors struggling on stage. Roger observes the audience's disdain and his own conflicted feelings toward his art. Throughout this segment, we also learn about his friend John O'Neill and the strain their friendship faces amid Roger's failures. The scene effectively sets a tone of introspection and a critique of contemporary artistic struggles, exploring the tension between individual creativity and collective reception.
Arnold Marmor
Not in the Script
"Not in the Script" by Arnold Marmor is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story hinges on a critical mission to deceive Martian visitors into believing that Earth is technologically inferior to prevent an impending invasion. The plot highlights the creative efforts of the protagonist, Jules Barnes, who must write and direct a play meant to showcase this fabricated narrative, emphasizing the threat of interplanetary conflict during the era of the Cold War. In the story, playwright Jules Barnes is unexpectedly enlisted by Captain Colen Shratt to produce a play that will mislead Martians about Earth's true capabilities. As the Martians prepare to visit, Barnes tirelessly collaborates with global leaders and industry experts to orchestrate a convincing performance, designed to make them appear inept and unthreatening. Throughout the play's production, tensions rise as Barnes grapples with the weight of his responsibilities. Ultimately, as the Martians depart believing that Earth poses no threat, Shratt and the military reveal their true intentions to launch a counter-offensive against Mars, leaving Barnes to ponder the moral implications of their deception.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
Thorley Weir
"Thorley Weir" by E. F. Benson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Arthur Craddock, a middle-aged art critic, who is visiting his friend Philip Wroughton and his attractive daughter, Joyce. The narrative introduces themes of desire, ambition, and artistic appreciation, set against the backdrop of a hot summer day by the Thames. The opening of the book paints an evocative picture of a particularly stifling June day, leading Arthur Craddock to relive his anticipation of visiting his friend’s riverside home. As he navigates his complex feelings towards the charming and youthful Joyce, the dynamics of their interactions highlight a blend of admiration and self-awareness regarding their age difference. Through Craddock's thoughts, the story hints at his aspirations to acquire both Joyce’s admiration and her father’s Reynolds portrait, exploring his perceptions of beauty and potential regret tied to his material desires. Such exchanges foreshadow a deeper exploration of relationships, artistic integrity, and the underlying tensions between ambition and genuine connection.
Henry James
Nona Vincent
"Nona Vincent" by Henry James is a novel written in the late 19th century, a time when literature was rich with themes of social dynamics and personal ambition. This book explores the complexities of artistic aspiration, particularly in the context of theater and drama, through its protagonist, Allan Wayworth, a young playwright striving for success. The story revolves around Allan Wayworth, who is deeply invested in his play, "Nona Vincent," and his interactions with various characters, notably Mrs. Alsager and the actress Violet Grey. Mrs. Alsager serves as a mentor and supporter, fostering Allan's ambitions and providing emotional refuge from his struggles. As Allan navigates the treacherous waters of theatrical production, he grapples with doubts about his work and the performance of Violet Grey, who plays the titular role. The narrative captures Allan's tumultuous journey from despair to moments of hope as he witnesses Violet's transformation in the role, culminating in a powerful realization about both his artistic vision and personal connections. Ultimately, "Nona Vincent" delves into themes of creation, identity, and the impact of relationships on art, making it a compelling read for those interested in the interplay between life and theater.
Elizabeth Garver Jordan
May Iverson's Career
"May Iverson's Career" by Elizabeth Garver Jordan is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the journey of May Iverson as she transitions from her convent education to a career in journalism in New York City. The story captures May's ambitions, challenges, and the lessons she learns about life, relationships, and her own aspirations as she intertwines with various characters in a bustling urban environment. The opening portion of the novel presents May's graduation from St. Catharine's convent, where she grapples with her future—initially contemplating a life as a nun but ultimately deciding to pursue journalism at her father's urging. May's first assignment as a cub reporter is set against the backdrop of a haunted house, where she encounters a mysterious old woman named Miss Watts and a sudden turn of events involving escaped convicts. As May navigates her first night on the assignment, she begins to realize both the excitement and dangers of her new career, foreshadowing the complex and often challenging experiences that await her in the world of newspaper reporting.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
Sheaves
"Sheaves" by E. F. Benson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The storyline appears to focus on the lives of several characters, including Hugh Grainger, a trader who seems to have met a mysterious fate at the hands of Native Americans, and his interactions with two children, Jim and Daisy Rye, who playfully engage with him in storytelling and imaginative games. This hints at a blend of humor, family dynamics, and perhaps a critique of social norms during the time. The opening of the novel introduces a whimsical scene where the supposedly deceased Hugh Grainger maintains a lively conversation with the children, offering humorous ghostly commentary on their burial customs. As Hugh narrates a silly story about three quirky old men living in a castle made of strawberries, the narrative establishes a playful tone. We also meet Lady Rye, who appreciates the innocence of childhood play while providing depth to the adult interactions as they reflect on societal expectations and personal desires. The excerpt sets the stage for a story that intertwines the frivolous with the poignant, delving into themes of family life, childhood imagination, and the complexities of adult relationships.
Elizabeth Garver Jordan
The Girl in the Mirror
"The Girl in the Mirror" by Elizabeth Garver Jordan is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Devondale, Ohio, the story opens with an ornate wedding ceremony for Barbara Devon, a woman of considerable means and prominence. The narrative focuses on the lives of Barbara and her brother Laurie, hinting at their complex family dynamics as well as Laurie's internal struggles and the potential for tumultuous choices that lie ahead. At the start of the story, the wedding festivities create a vibrant atmosphere, drawing diverse attention from the townspeople. Amidst this celebration, the reader is introduced to Jimmy Harrigan, a young caddie, and the gossip surrounding Barbara's brother Laurie, who has a troubled past. Their lives take a turn as Laurie contemplates his newfound freedom after his sister's marriage and the impact it may have on his future, while the introduction of a mysterious girl observed in a mirror hints at deeper emotional conflicts yet to be explored, particularly as Laurie seeks a fresh start away from his previous habits.
George Moore
Vain Fortune: A Novel
"Vain Fortune" by George Moore is a novel written during the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of London's theatre scene, it follows the life of Hubert Price, an aspiring playwright struggling with personal and financial difficulties as he strives to complete his latest work, "The Gipsy." The narrative captures the tension between artistic ambition and the harsh realities of life, exploring themes of disinheritance, love, and societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces Hubert Price in his cluttered lodgings, immersed in a mix of personal turmoil and creative aspiration. We learn about his financial woes and that he is haunted by his failure to secure success with his previous plays. As he battles against his creditors and wrestles with his playwriting, the complexities of his relationships, particularly with fellow artist Rose Massey, unfold. Hubert's circumstances are exacerbated by the recent disinheritance by his wealthy uncle, which sets the stage for future conflict. At the same time, the narrative hints at the potential for redemption through the development of relationships and creative endeavors. Huberts's introspection and keen awareness of his plight invite readers to deeply engage with his journey.
William Dean Howells
The Story of a Play A Novel
"The Story of a Play" by William Dean Howells is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around the collaborative process of creating a play, primarily through the interaction between a young actor, Godolphin, and the playwright, Maxwell, as they navigate the intricacies of character development and artistic vision. At the heart of the story lies the character Haxard, a man grappling with the consequences of his past as he prepares for success in his present. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to a conversation between the ambitious actor and the playwright. Maxwell shares his intricate ideas for his new play, which explores themes of biblical morality and the consequences of sin. As the two discuss plot elements, including a pivotal dinner scene and Haxard's complex character, the various challenges of writing for the stage are revealed. The tension between artistic integrity and commercial appeal emerges, especially as Godolphin insists on including more traditional love elements in the play, leading to a discussion of how Maxwell could integrate new ideas without compromising his vision. This opening sets the stage for further exploration of relationships, artistic ambition, and the dynamics of collaboration within the theatrical world.
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