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The Dramatic Event

The Dramatic Event

$7.99 USD
$7.99 USD
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Condition: Good

Condition Notes: Contains moderate shelf wear.

Author(s): Eric Bentley

Print: 2nd Print

Publication year: 1957

Binding: Paperback

Publisher: Beacon Press

ISBN:

Subtitled An American Chronicle, this foundational collection of theatrical criticism compiles the sharp, influential reviews written during the author's tenure as the drama editor for The New Republic in the early 1950s. The text provides a rigorous, contemporary analysis of more than fifty monumental American theatrical productions, offering unvarnished, immediate perspectives on the premieres of landmark plays such as Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour, and William Inge's Picnic. Rather than acting as a simple consumer guide to Broadway, the essays evaluate performance, script architecture, and directing choices through a complex cultural and socio-political lens, fiercely defending artistic integrity against the creeping commercialism and conformity of the post-war era. It functions as an indispensable historical archive and a masterclass in dramatic theory, preserving the exact intellectual landscape of mid-century American theater.

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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.