• Flipped Pages The Theatre of the Absurd by Martin Esslin [1961 · Achor Books Edition]
  • Flipped Pages The Theatre of the Absurd by Martin Esslin [1961 · Achor Books Edition]
  • Flipped Pages The Theatre of the Absurd by Martin Esslin [1961 · Achor Books Edition]
1 11

The Theatre of the Absurd

The Theatre of the Absurd

$2.99 USD
$2.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Condition: Acceptable

Condition Notes: Cover contains heavy wear. Binding is in good shape. Pages contain highlighting and notes throughout pages. (pictured)

Author(s): Martin Esslin

Publication year: 1961

Binding: Paperback

Publisher: Anchor Books

This groundbreaking literary study analyzes a radical mid-twentieth-century avant-garde dramatic movement that rejected psychological realism and traditional plotting. The text explores how prominent playwrights like Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, Jean Genet, and Harold Pinter used their work to dramatize the existential anxiety of a world stripped of inherent purpose following the world wars. It traces the historical and artistic roots of this movement—including silent film comedies, vaudeville, and surrealism—while examining how nonsensical dialogue and cyclical plots reflect the ultimate breakdown of human communication.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight of the item and the delivery location. We ship via Media Mail or Ground Advantage through USPS.

Shop with Confidence!
We stand by the quality of our books. If for any reason you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, we offer a 100% full refund along with free return shipping.

View full details

Book Condition Scale

  • Like New

    This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.

  • Very Good

    This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Good

    This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Acceptable

    This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • As Is

    This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • Dust Jacket Grading

    (A) Excellent
    The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.

    (B) Good
    Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.

    (C) Fair
    Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.

    (D) Poor
    Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.

    (F) As Is
    Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.