Clifford Odets: Playwright-Poet

By Harold Cantor

This study takes a different approach to the work of poet-playwright Clifford Odets. Rather than focusing on biographical and political factors surrounding his works, Cantor provides a close reading of 11 of Odets' plays as a whole, grounding his study within an analysis of themes common to each text. While granting emphasis to Odets' poetic style, Cantor gives due notice to Odets' achievements as both mythmaker and voice of the Jewish middle class. Included are reprints of "Sum and Substance," an interview with the writer conducted by the late Herman Harvey, and a 1998 interview by Cantor with actress/director Joanne Woodward, who has directed recent revivals of four of Odets' plays. Cantor also gives an account of other noted productions in order to illuminate the ways in which this visionary's style has influenced contemporary American theatre.

Drawing both from previous works and his own research, Cantor presents a quintessential study of a prolific and influential literary artist. It will prove a useful and timely volume for scholars of theatre and American social history alike.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810837323
• ISBN13: 9780810837324
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Student of Dr. Cantor's

I was a student of Dr. Cantor's when his manuscript for the first edition of this work was accepted for publication- he was an excellent professor of Literature and it was a privilege to have known him. If his work on Odets is as thoughtful as his work with Upstate New York students, then this volume on the playwright is essential reading for the student of theatre.