THE CAMBRIDGE GUIDE TO WORLD THEATRE- MARTIN BANHAM

    EDITURA - Cambridge University Press (January 27, 1989)

    NR. PAGINI-1120

   AN APARITIE-1989

   IN LIMBA ENGLEZA

• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 2.3 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 pounds

   IN STARE   BUNA

DESCRIERE

"An authoritative and comprehensive dictionary on world theater, this excellent one-volume guide emphasizes performance and all aspects of international theater. Attractively produced with over 250 black -and-white illustrations, it is alphabetically arranged and encompasses the usual biographical sketches on actors, playwrights, and designers, as well as excellent coverage on individual countries with major theatrical tradition...The editors have paid particular attention to neglected persons and activities. The comprehensiveness of the guide makes it attractive to scholars and general readers." A 1989 Library Journal Best Reference book Library Journal.

These two works aim to fill a need formerly met only by the Oxford Companion to the Theatre ( LJ 1/84 , 4th ed.). The Facts on File Dictionary is a slim volume with an ill-defined focus. While the promotional material advertises it as a comprehensive guide to the history of world drama, the introduction describes it as a "dictionary of modern British and American theatre." Even within those limits, it falls short. Recent works of many prominent figures are not listed, and a number of Off-Broadway and avant-garde playwrights do not appear at all. The cross-reference system is inadequate. Entries for individual plays are a distinctive feature, but the short descriptions are virtually useless, and such information is readily available elsewhere. Not a necessary purchase. The Cambridge Guide is not only attractive but comprehensive. In addition to entries on actors, playwrights, and theaters, lengthy articles on theater in individual countries provide an overview of world drama. Contemporary figures, e.g., Maria Irene Fornes and Charles Ludlam, are included, and numerous illustrations appear within the text. Furthermore, such unusual entries as "Gay Theatre" and "Animals as Performers" supply a broad perspective not usually found in dictionaries. This is an authoritative work that also provides delightful browsing for theater aficionados. Most collections will want to add this for its currency and comprehensiveness even if they already own the Oxford Companion .
- Susan Thach Dean, Chicago P.L.