Books
422 results
Page 34
'Impromptu Man: J.L. Moreno and the Origins of Psychodrama'
Theater as interpersonal encounter and spontaneous experience
This fascinating book about psychodrama founder J.L. Moreno written by his son, Penn professor Jonathan D. Moreno, covers many aspects of 20th-century life and thought, including improvisational theater. Although the book bears a great deal on the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and self-help/personal growth, this review highlights Moreno’s contributions to theater and dramaturgy.
Articles
5 minute read
Steven Pressfield's 'War of Art'
Battling the demons of Resistance
The title of The War of Art, a little book on how to break through creative blocks and finish projects, is apt because author Steven Pressfield doesn’t pull any punches.
Articles
4 minute read
A flag for Robert Stone
Remembering novelist Robert Stone, who died on January 10.
'Death Comes to Pemberley'
Using Austen's characters for nefarious purposes
Phyllis Dorothy James died recently at the age of 94. While her most recent book was a murder mystery based on Pride and Prejudice, she is better served if you remember her for all the work that went before.
Articles
5 minute read
'The Sweetness of Life' by Paulus Hochgatterer
The dread that arises from winter darkness
It’s not a holiday thought, but let’s consider briefly the matter of crushing heads.
Articles
3 minute read
S. Clay Wilson's ABC
A left turn in Lawrence
The work of underground artist S. Clay Wilson has been compared to Breughel’s and has hung in museums beside Bosch. An alphabet series connected with his illustrations of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm has just been published.
John Lahr's biography of Tennessee Williams
Rethinking the life and work of Tennessee Williams
After enduring youthful austerity, Tennessee Williams sought relief from his suffering through chaotic sexual liaisons and cravings for admiration, alcohol, and drugs. Yet, at his best, he was able to use his inner conflicts to create dramatic works that transformed the American theater and cinema. The characters in his plays, as John Lahr takes pains to show, were mirrors of what was going on inside him.
Articles
6 minute read
'Is That All There Is? The Strange Life of Peggy Lee' by James Gavin
A showbiz legend and a piece of work
Painstakingly researched and beautifully written, Is That All There Is? is at times touching, sad, disturbing, and hilarious. Just like Peggy Lee.
Articles
3 minute read
Two in-laws confront Hitler
Ordinary people, extraordinary responses (and vice versa)
When your moment of truth comes, how will you respond? Two books published this year portray diametrically opposite responses to the greatest crisis of the 20th century.
Articles
6 minute read
James Ellroy's 'Perfidia'
James Ellroy in Nighttown
Perfidia is a twisted labyrinth of plot and counterplot, casual racism, murder most bloody and foul, and hypnotic prose, with real-life big names passing through or nudging the story along.
Articles
4 minute read