George Kelly: A Research and Production Sourcebook (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780313299933)

George Kelly was a pioneer realist in the American theater who not only enjoyed popular and critical success, but also remained true to his own moral vision of theater as an art form despite what he considered vulgar influences that catered to the popular taste. Drawing upon the canon of Kelly's published plays as well as on manuscripts for four plays never before published or widely discussed by critics, this volume chronicles the evolution of this important craftsman and director from his earliest and most critically lauded examinations of America's upper middle-class family life to his often spartan commentary on changing American morals and tastes.

Calling into question the short-sighted assessments of scholars and critics who discount Kelly's achievements as formulaic and misogynistic, this reference reveals the broad spectrum of critical opinion which generally admired his theatrical skill and moral commitment. An opening biography surveys Kelly's career, while the chapters that follow give detailed information about his works. Included are plot synopses and production histories of his plays, along with an extensive annotated bibliography of reviews and scholarly studies.

Author: Mark a. Graves
ISBN-10: 0313299935
ISBN-13: 9780313299933
Publisher: Greenwood
Language: English
Published: 08/30/1999
Pages: 232
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.58h x 6.40w x 0.95d

Review Citation(s):
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2000 pg. 539