Fool of the Family: A Life of J.M. Synge

by W. J. Mc Cormack

Soulmate of James Joyce, J.M. Synge (1871 - 1909) is famous as the author of Playboy of the Western World, which provoked riots at its Dublin premiere in 1907. But the man himself, his peculiar religious background, and little-investigated death, have, until now, remained in the shadows. W.J. McCormack here recreates the complex religious and social environment in which Synge refined his talents as a writer. Placing Synge's life firmly in the context of the cultural revolution unfolding in Europe, this fresh and lively account will stand as the authoritative biography of this great writer.

Genres: Biography

1 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ruth Brumby]

Too long, because it includes too much detail and too many digressions and asides and because the style is long winded. The author includes comments (for example remarking on the solecism of describing the Bells being pillars of the community) which one might think but mot include in the text.
This is not exactly a biography; there is so much about the author's reading on philosophy and wider ideas.
The structure lacks an introduction explaining the direction of the book The final chapters make this a little clearer.