The Cambridge Companion to Ibsen

by James McFarlane (Editor)

In the history of modern theater Ibsen is one of the dominating figures. The sixteen chapters of this Companion explore his life and work. The plays are grouped and discussed chronologically; among the thematic topics are discussions of Ibsen's comedy, realism, lyric poetry and feminism. Substantial chapters account for Ibsen's influence on the international stage, including an interview with ex-RSC director John Barton and an essay by Arthur Miller exploring Ibsen's challenge to contemporary theater and film. Essential reference materials include a full chronology, list of works, and essays on twentieth-century criticism and further reading.

Genres: Theatre

298 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 1994

Reviews

[Richard Subber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fully jam-packed treatment of Henrik Ibsen’s life and works in his time. It may be a lot more than most readers are looking for.
I quickly get tired of endlessly speculative assessments of a writer’s literary oeuvre, even when it’s coming from scholars who have the chops to do it, for example, Arthur Miller who reflects on “Ibsen and the drama of today.”
I can’t keep myself from suspecting that the author, in this case Ibsen, probably never thought about or experienced as much “importance” as the literary critics can’t keep themselves from mentioning or wondering about.
Furthermore, in the case of Ibsen, I keep in mind that he wrote in the common Danish language, and so everything written about him in English depends on translations.
I wish I could read Ibsen’s plays and poems as he wrote them.
Read more of my book reviews and poems here:
www.richardsubber.com

[Kelly Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful reference book for my teaching of A Doll's House for A Level students - contextual support.