Product Description

This book is the first introduction to unite accessible accounts not only of Beckett's life and work, but of the key literary and theoretical concepts used in the study of his writing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #93271 in Books
• Published on: 2000-11-23
• Released on: 2000-11-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Review
'An extremely intelligent and very readable overview of Beckett's life, work, and critical reception. Pattie offers a well-balanced rundown on biographical and historical context and situates the fiction, drama, and poetry solidly within it. He then gives us a valuable guided tour through Beckettiana, the bibliographic maze inspired by one of the most venerated writers of the twentieth century. An excellent introduction to Beckett and worthwhile reading for those already familiar with him.' - Lois Oppenheim, President The Samuel Beckett Society

'[Routledge Guides to Literature] abound in references to the cultural context of each work and to its past and present reception by the public. They take into account a plurality of critical perspectives: beyond mere information, they include a concise and stimulating presentation of the state of criticism nowadays.' - Professor D.M. Degrois, Universite de Paris III

'The book repays perseverance and will prove a valuable addition to many students bookshelves.' - Martin Cawte, The Use of English

From the Back Cover
So many questions surround the key figures in the English literary canon, but most books focus on one aspect of an author's life or work, or limit themselves to a single critical approach. Samuel Beckett is part of a unique series of comprehensive, user-friendly introductions which:
*offer basic information on an author's life, contexts and works
*outline the major critical issues surrounding the author's works, from the time they were written to the present
*leave judgements up to you, by explaining the full range of often very different critical views and interpretations
*offer guides to further reading in each area discussed.
This series has a broad focus but one very clear aim: to equip you with all the knowledge you need to make your own new readings of crucial literary texts.

About the Author
David Pattie is Senior Lecturer in English and Drama at the University of Greenwich.