By Women Possessed: A Life of Eugene O'Neill (Uncorrected Proof)

By Women Possessed: A Life of Eugene O'Neill (Uncorrected Proof)

Book is in very good condition! There is only light wear from use. *Please note this is an "uncorrected proof" edition.

Renowned for their publications on Eugene O'Neill and granted access to a treasure trove of previously undisclosed archival material, the Gelbs present their concluding volume on the tumultuous life and remarkable body of work of this Nobel Prize-winning American playwright. This serves as a comprehensive examination of both a captivating era in American theater and the complex existence of a genius. It is crucial to emphasize that this book does not aim to provide mere voyeuristic entertainment or indulge in celebrity gossip. Instead, it offers a brilliant exploration of the emotional entanglements that ensnared one of our most influential playwrights.

Eloquent and dashing when he desired, O'Neill possessed an irresistible allure that attracted women—although, except for his mother, who constantly reminded him of his undesirability, he managed to captivate them all. By Women Possessed follows O'Neill through his monumental triumphs, the failures he effortlessly brushed off, and a painful twelve-year period of creative stagnation when, despite his Nobel recognition, none of his writings were brought to the stage. However, his greatest achievements were yet to come: The Iceman Cometh and Long Day's Journey into Night, both of which were ahead of their time and initially met with lukewarm receptions. It was only after his passing that his widow, the guardian of his legacy, embarked on a fervent and successful campaign to restore his standing. As a result, today—over 125 years since his birth—O'Neill looms large in the world of theater, with his works consistently captivating audiences in performances both domestically and internationally. Equally significant, he is widely recognized as the progenitor of modern American theater, having paved the way for the likes of Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee, and numerous others. However, as Williams observed, this monumental contribution came at a great cost: "O'Neill gave birth to the American theater and died for it."

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